`` I might fall asleep and not hear him when he called , '' she said . `` I am always afraid to sleep now , for fear he should call and his mother fail to hear him . '' Knowing it was of no use to entreat , I sat down by the table and tried to read . Three hours passed on . When the clock struck midnight she started up , with the wild light in her sunken blue eyes . `` He is calling , '' she cried , `` calling out there in the storm . Yes , yes , sweet , I am coming ! '' She opened the door and fled down the path to the shore . I snatched a lantern from the wall , lighted it , and followed . It was the blackest night I was ever out in , dark with the very darkness of death . The rain fell thickly and heavily . I overtook Josie , caught her hand , and stumbled along in her wake , for she went with the speed and recklessness of a distraught woman . We moved in the little flitting circle of light shed by the lantern . All around us and above us was a horrible , voiceless darkness , held , as it were , at bay by the friendly light . `` If I could only overtake him once , '' moaned Josie . `` If I could just kiss him once , and hold him close against my aching heart . This pain , that never leaves me , would leave me than . Oh , my pretty boy , wait for mother ! I am coming to you . Listen , David ; he cries -- he cries so pitifully ; listen !
Ca n't you XXXXX it ? ''
Listen aching call entreat fell hear opened sat shed struck