Holden looked savagely at the broken wheel, but that didn't mend
matters. He would have answered the countryman angrily, but, as he stood
in need of assistance, this was not good policy.

"What would you advise me to do about it?" he inquired.

"You will have to leave the buggy where it is just now. Where did you
get it?"

"Over at the mill village."

"Well, you'd better lead the horse back--'tain't more'n a mile or so--
get another wagon, and tell 'em to send for this."

"Well, perhaps that is the best way."

"Where was you goin'?"

"Over to Waverley."

"That's where the boy came from."

"What boy?"

"The boy that upset you."

"What is his name?" asked Abner Holden, scowling.

"His name is Herbert Mason, son of the Widder Mason that died two or
three weeks since. Poor boy, he's left alone in the world."