"She's afraid she's going to die in the night, and she wants me to shake her." Abner leaned against a beam and laughed heartily.
"Never you fear, little one! I have heard that story about Polly's dying in the night ever since I can remember; and she hasn't died yet.

You just say your prayers, dear, and go to sleep like a good little girl, and that's the last you'll know about it till morning." So saying, he caught Dotty by the shoulders, and tossed her up to the rafters.

The child's spirits rose at once.

It was such a comfort to have that strong Abner in the house in case of accidents.
She said her prayers more earnestly than usual, but it was nearly five minutes before she fell asleep.

The last thing she heard was Miss Polly singing a very mournful hymn through her nose; and, while she was wondering why it should keep people alive to shake them, she passed into dreamland.