Gertrude's dress with both hands.

The doctor opened a big book, tore out a leaf, and drew his pen twice
across the closely written page.

"There," he said, handing the cancelled sheet to Gertrude, "that is all
the bill I shall give you."

"Oh, doctor, may God reward you," said Gertrude. "Go, child, and thank the
doctor, for you owe him a great deal."

The child obeyed after her own fashion. She planted herself before the big
man, looked steadily at him with her great black eyes and said somewhat
hoarsely,

"Thank you." It sounded more like a command than anything else.

The doctor laughed.

"She is rather alarming," he said, "she is evidently not accustomed to say
anything she does not really mean. I like that. But come, I must be off,"
and handing the medicine to Gertrude he left the room quickly so as to
avoid her repeated thanks.

The little boy was standing where his mother had left him, still staring
at the restless horse. The doctor looked kindly at the little fellow.

"Would you like to take care of a horse?" he asked, as he got into his
wagon.