hired man, surveying the horizon for a cloud of smoke.

Instead of advancing to meet the messenger, both stood like statues in
blue overalls and red flannel shirts, till the boy arrived and told
his tale.

"Sho, that's bad," said the farmer, anxiously.

"That brook always was the darndest place," added Bijah, then both
men bestirred themselves helpfully, the former hurrying to Miss Celia
while the latter brought up the cart and made a bed of hay to lay her
on.

"Now then, boy, you go for the doctor. My women folks will see to
the lady, and she'd better keep quiet up yender till we see what the
matter is," said the farmer, when the pale girl was lifted in as
carefully as four strong arms could do it. "Hold on," he added, as Ben
made one leap to Lita's back. "You'll have to go to Berryville. Dr.
Mills is a master hand for broken bones and old Dr. Babcock aint.
'Tisn't but about three mile from here to his house, and you'll fetch
him 'fore there's any harm done waitin'."

"Don't kill Lita," called Miss Celia from the cart, as it began to
move.

But Ben did not hear her, for he was off across the fields, riding as
if life and death depended upon his speed.

"That boy will break his neck!" said Mr. Paine, standing still
to watch horse and rider go over the wall as if bent on instant