"Isn't there any man on the place?" asked Betty, interrupting.
"None but them with Bill hunting the young stock."
"And the boys—our friends—have gone with them," explained Betty. "Somebody must get the surgeon."
"How are we going to do it? The telephone wires are down," explained Mrs. Candace. "And there ain't a horse properly shod for traveling on this ice. I fear some of that young stock will break their legs."
"We saw them skating all over the road," said Bobby. "But how gay and excited they were!"
"A ridin' horse would have to go at a foot pace," explained Mrs. Candace, "unless it was sharpened. I don't know——"
Ida had gone into the bedroom to speak with the injured man. She looked out at this juncture and excitedly beckoned to Betty. Betty ran in to find the crooked little man looking even more crooked and pitiful than ever under the blankets. He was groaning and the perspiration stood on his forehead. That he was in exceeding pain there could be no doubt.
"He says Ida Bellethorne is sharpened," gasped Ida.
"Oh! You mean she is fixed to travel on ice on frozen ground?"
"I 'ad to lead 'er up 'ere from the station, Miss. Ain't I saw you before, Miss?" said Hunchie, staring at Betty. "At Mr. Bolter's?"