Friday noon
Hinka Kierson , a stout , red-faced matron , asserted that cold applications were most efficacious in fevers of this nature , while Chune Benefski , whose son had had a similar attack , and who was therefore qualified to speak upon the subject , insisted that cold applications meant instant death , and that nothing could relieve the boy but a hot bath . Miriam quieted the disputants by promising to try both remedies . To her credit be it said , she applied neither , but pinned her entire faith upon the coming remedy of the _ bal-shem _ . Friday noon came but it brought no improvement . He continued delirious and his mind dwelt upon his recent trials , at one moment struggling against unseen enemies and the next calling piteously upon his brother Jacob . Hirsch and Miriam could witness his suffering no longer , but went to their own room and gave free vent to the tears which would not be repressed . `` Oh , if the answer from the Rabbi were but here , '' sighed Miriam .