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Show Nettie, Page 18 down and surveyed the shallow spot where the baptisms were usually performed. It was higher than usual with spring run-off, but that meant they need not go so far from shore in order to get the depth necessary. "Do it right the first time, Papa," Henry cautioned. "It's going to be mighty cold for Nettie." "I aim to son. Lift Nettie down now and you come stand here with Brig where you can see clearly. Brigham, have that blanket ready to throw over Nettie as soon as we come out." Brig grabbed the quilt and held it open, handing another to Henry for Papa, then stood near his brother as Nettie and Papa waded out into the river. Nettie gasped. Her skirts swirled around her and the shock of the cold water dizzied her for a moment. Papa's hand was still warm, though, and she clung to it while he readied them both for the dunking. Placing one hand on the nape of Nettie's neck, he instructed her to hold her nose with one hand and to grip his arm with her other hand. Speaking the words of the baptismal ordinance, Papa called out in a clear voice, "Jeannette Peterson, having been commissioned of Jesus Christ, I baptize you in the name of the Father, and the Son and the Holy Ghost. Amen." Nettie closed her eyes, took a deep breath and Papa leaned her backward and downward as the waters of the Bear River washed over her. Papa checked quickly to see that every hair, each toe had been completely immersed and then brought her quickly up out of the water. The shock of the cold water forced Nettie to take huge, gasping breaths. She opened |