hundred times."

Jasper made no reply, and Polly continued to stroke gently the poor
head.

"Well--well--well!" exclaimed Mr. King, coming in, "to be sure, it's
very stupid in me not to think of looking in the library for both of
you before. O dear me--bless me!" And he came to a dead stop of
astonishment.

"Father," cried Jasper, "this poor man seems very ill."

"Oh, yes," breathed Polly, pitifully, "he really is, Grandpapa." And
she put out her hand to seize one of Mr. King's. "And Jasper has sent
for the doctor."

"And none too soon, I should say," remarked Mr. King, grimly, with a
keen glance into the old man's face. "Raise his feet a little higher,
Jasper; put a pillow under them; there, that's it. Well, the doctor
should be hurried up." He glanced quickly around. "Here, you boy,"
seeing Tom, "run as you never have run before, and tell the doctor to
come quickly."

"There isn't any need," began Tom.

"Do you _go_!" commanded Mr. King, pointing to the door. And Tom
went.

"Father, that boy is his grandson," said Jasper, pointing to the sick
man.