exhaustion. Fixing the pole so it could not slip, he caught hold of the
hermit and dragged him to a place of safety.

Joe had never had to care for a hurt person before and he scarcely knew
how to proceed. He laid the hermit on the grass and washed his face with
water. Soon Hiram Bodley opened his eyes once more.

"My chest!" he groaned. "All of my ribs must be broken! And my ankle is
broken, too!" And he groaned again.

"I had better get a doctor, Uncle Hiram."

"A doctor can't help me."

"Perhaps he can."

"I haven't any faith in doctors. A doctor operated on my mother and
killed her."

"But Doctor Gardner is a nice man. He will do all he can for you, I am
sure," urged Joe.

"Well, Dr. Gardner is a good fellow I admit. If you--can--can get
him--I'll--I'll--" The sufferer tried to go on but could not.

"I think I can get him. But I hate to leave you alone." And Joe stared
around helplessly. He wished he had Ned with him.

"Never mind--give me a drink--then go," answered Hiram Bodley. He had
often taken Doctor Gardner out to hunt with him and liked the physician