"Yes, he did," said Phronsie, quite relieved to think that this trial
could take the place of the usual leg-breaking episode in a boy's
career. "And so did Joel, and Davie--all of them, Grandpapa dear."

"Exactly; well, and then Ben had to work hard, and Joel and Davie too,
for that matter. So, you see, it wasn't as essential that they should
break their legs, child."

"But Jasper and Percy and Van don't have to work hard; oh! I don't want
them to break their legs," said Phronsie, in a worried tone. "You don't
think they will, Grandpapa dear, do you? Please say they won't."

"I don't think there is the least danger of it," said Mr. King,
"especially as I shall put an end to this double-ripper business, though
not because this upset was anybody's fault; remember that, Phronsie."
Van's head which had dropped a bit at the last words, came up proudly.
"Van, here, has acted nobly"--he put his hand on the boy's shoulder--
"and would have saved Dicky if he could. It was a pure accident that
nobody could help except by keeping off from the abominable thing. Well,
here we are at the little brown house; and there's your mother,
Phronsie, waiting for us in the doorway."

"Halloo!" cried Van, rushing over the flat stone, and past Mrs. Pepper,
"where's Joel? Oh--here, you old chap!"

"Well, Mrs. Pepper," said the old gentleman, coming up to the step,
Phronsie hanging to his hand, "this looks like starting for town to-
morrow, doesn't it?"

"Oh! what shall we do, sir?" cried Mrs. Pepper, in distress. "To think