one._

I've done my best.

_Behind them comes Mrs. Beeler, supported by her Husband. At the
same moment Martha enters from the kitchen, with tea; Uncle Abe and
Annie follow._

BEELER.

_On the threshold._

Mary, take another minute to consider.

_Mrs. Beeler, as if without hearing this protest, gazes at
Michaelis, and advances into the room with a gesture of the arms
which causes her supporter to loosen his hold, though he follows
slightly behind, to render aid if necessary._

MRS. BEELER.

_To Michaelis._

Tell me that I may go out, and stand before them for a testimony!

LITTLEFIELD.

As a physician, I must formally protest.

CULPEPPER.

And I as a minister of the Gospel.

MRS. BEELER.

_To Michaelis, with a nervous, despairing gesture._

Speak to them! Explain to them! I am too weak.

_There is a sound of excited voices outside, near at hand, then a
sudden trample of footsteps at the entrance door. As Beeler goes
hurriedly to the door it bursts open and a young woman with a baby
in her arms crowds past him, and stands looking wildly about the
room._

BEELER.

_As he forces the others back._

You can't come in here, my friends! Stand back!

_The woman gazes from one to another of the men. The old negro
points at Michaelis. She advances to him, holding out the child._

MOTHER.

Don't let my baby die! For Christ's sake, don't let him die!

_He examines the child's face, touches the mother's head tenderly,
and signs to Rhoda to take them into the inner room._

MICHAELIS.

Take her with you, I will come.

RHODA.

_With gentle urgency, to the woman._

Come with me.

_She leads the woman out through the hall door._

MICHAELIS.

_To Mrs. Beeler, as he points outside._

Tell them to wait until to-morrow at sunrise.

_Mr. and Mrs. Beeler move toward the entrance door; some of the
others start after, some linger, curious to know what will happen
to the child. Michaelis turns upon them with a commanding gesture._

Go, all of you!

_The room is cleared except for Littlefield, who goes last, stops
in the doorway, closes the door, and approaches Michaelis. He
speaks in a friendly and reasonable tone._

LITTLEFIELD.

You're on the wrong track, my friend.

MICHAELIS.

I asked you to go.

LITTLEFIELD.

I heard you. I want to say a word or two first. For your o