"She's dead, she's dead!" cried Susy. "And 'twas trying to save me. Oh, bring a doctor quick, quick! 'Twas just like this mother got the blow she died of."
Puggy tore up the village then for his life, and soon returned with the two first persons whom he met, Miss Bertha and the blacksmith.
"She's only stunned, I think," said Miss Bertha cheerfully, trying to reassure herself and the two children. "Bring her to my house, Taylor, I am not far away; and, Puggy, you run to Doctor Randal's. He is home, fortunately. I saw him drive in just now. Why, Susy, little woman, you're in a bad way! You must come with me too. We'll soon put you both right, please God. Come along."
Cheery Miss Bertha led the way to her small cottage, Taylor the blacksmith carrying Christina in his arms.
"That fellow ought to be in gaol!" he remarked. "He'll kill his child before he's done with her, and now he's had the impudence to attack Missy. What 'll the Squire say, I'm thinkin'!"
"I think you might send one of your boys with a message to him, but don't alarm them too much. Tell them she is with me, and I will do all that is necessary."
"I expect the young gent will have got there already," said the blacksmith.
"Ah yes! I forgot him. Then it will be all right."
Miss Bertha's tiny cottage was soon reached; and Christina was lifted on to her own bed, whilst the good Lucy attended to Susy.
The doctor arrived very shortly, and before very long Christina opened her eyes. She had received a very nasty blow, and Dr. Randal advised her being put straight to bed and kept as quiet as possible.