And the boys were willing to tell.

Before the meal was finished, the doctor came quietly in. He had
been to look at Asa and, finding him asleep under the effects of
the quieting tablet he had given him, he came to report to Mr.
Leffingwell that his young guest was doing well.

"It won't lame him permanently, will it?" asked Colonel Bright.

"No, no danger of that unless there should be some infection, and
I am sure there will be nothing of the sort. I wonder, Mr.
Leffingwell, if it is possible to keep the boy here for a few
days or a week? I hate to have him moved. Your man Timmins says
he was talking about going to his home to-morrow.

"Well, I should say not!" exploded Mr. Leffingwell. "Where is
Timmins anyhow!"

"Sitting beside Asa," said the doctor. "Shall I call him?"

He tiptoed back to the boy's room, and in a moment returned,
followed by Timmins, who stood just inside the doorway and looked
inquiringly at Mr. Leffingwell.

"What's this, Timmins, about Asa's going home to-morrow? You get
those fool notions out of Asa's head, and, Timmins, we will
appoint you head nurse for a while. The lad seems to like you."

Timmins smiled and bowed. "Yes, sir! Thank you, sir!" he said.
And at that moment the ice-cream came in. That Leffingwell cook!