Rose Thirteen Preparations

Mrs. Donovan gave him her arm as he led her off the gangplank. Rose delayed stepping on the gangplank for fear she might tip it slightly. She thought about waiting for the Colonel and delayed a little longer.
She heard someone coming down the stairs in a hurry and decided she would go on across to be out of his way. The footsteps picked up speed and came up fast behind her. She felt pressure on her side and found herself falling into the water. Something hit her head, and she blacked out.
Sergeant Meade leaped from his horse and jumped into the water. In seconds he had Rose up beside the docks, and yelled, take her somebody!”
Captain Bollinger started to reach for her when Mrs. Donovan pushed him to one side, and yelled, “You have done enough!” She reached down with one hand and took Rose’s right arm.
The Colonel dropped to his knees, “Let me help, ma’am. I’m a bit stronger than you.” He took Rose's other arm and the two of them pulled her unconscious body up.
Sergeant Meade pulled himself up on the dock and took Rose from them. Lifting her, he asked, “Where do you want me to take her?”
“My cabin!” Colonel Gatewood said. “Molly has just changed the bedding.” Sergeant Meade took Rose towards the stairs. Mrs. Donovan followed behind him wiping the tears from her eyes.
“Be careful, Sergeant,” Mrs. Stone yelled after him. “She has been hit in the head one too many times.”