Page 82 of Sisters Under The Rising Sun

‘Oh, no! I don’t believe it! Another one,’ Nesta says, hauling up the empty rope.

‘Do you think I can reach it?’ Vivian asks.

‘No, it’s way too deep.’

‘Sister James, there’s only one thing you can do.’ Sister Catherina, also waiting in line to collect water, speaks up.

‘Really, and what’s that?’ Nesta asks.

‘You’re quite small, aren’t you?’ asks the nun, sizing up Nesta’s tiny frame.

‘You’ve only just realised that?’ Vivian exclaims.

‘No, but it’s the first time I’ve thought it might be very useful.’

‘Useful for what?’ Nesta says with apprehension.

‘I would be very happy to help Sister Bullwinkel lower you into the well; what do you say, Sister?’

‘Oh, yes, count me in, there’s nothing I’d like to do more than lower my senior head first into a well,’ Vivian says, grinning.

‘You’re both joking, aren’t you?’ Nesta is aghast.

‘Not at all. Oh, and while you’re down there, can you chuck up some of the other buckets and pots? Everyone would be most grateful.’

While Vivian is tying a frayed rope around Nesta’s waist, several other women arrive and get caught up in the adventure, offering suggestions and words of encouragement.

As Nesta climbs over the wall of the well, she says anxiously, ‘Please hold tight! Do you need extra hands, Bully?’

‘I can help,’ pipes up Margaret, who has just arrived. ‘Word has already spread around camp that Sister James is going into the well. I thought I needed to see this for myself. We’ve got you, Nesta!’

‘Come on then,’ says Vivian. ‘Grab onto the end of the rope with me.’

‘Slowly, take it slowly,’ Nesta calls out as Vivian, Sister Catherina and Margaret lower the tiny nurse into the dark well. Nesta looks up to see dozens of faces peering down at her. ‘I can’t see. You’re blocking out the light. You all need to move away,’ Nesta shouts.

There is a shuffling as everybody takes a step back.

‘I’m here. I’m nearly at the water,’ she calls.

‘Grab as many buckets as you can, and we’ll pull you up.’

‘OK, give me a minute.’

‘Shout when you’re ready, all right?’

‘Slowly! Slow down, aahh, I’ve tipped over. I’m upside down,’ Nesta cries.

‘We’ve got you, just hang on.’

‘Hurry up.’

‘Have you got the buckets?’ Sister Catherina calls to her.

‘Yes, my arms are full. That’s what tipped me over.’

‘I can see her legs. Oh, my God, she looks like a baby being born feet first,’ a cheeky commentator observes.

The women gathered around roar with laughter as Nesta is yanked out of the well, her dress over her face. Buckets hang from both arms and hands. Two of the women grab her around the waist and drag her away, dropping her unceremoniously on the ground.