Susy's arm was set, for a bone in it was broken; and the doctor declared that her father ought to be committed to gaol before he did any more mischief.
But she looked up pitifully at him as he spoke, saying, "He's my father; sir, 'tis only the drink. He's awful sorry when he's sober."
And Dr. Randal fore-bore to say more in her presence.
Mr. Maclahan came down to the cottage almost immediately after the doctor had left, but Miss Bertha begged him not to disturb his child.
"She is quite comfortable and going off to sleep; we feel that is the best thing for her. Dr. Randal advises that she should not be moved. I hope you will let me have the pleasure of keeping her. I will take the utmost care of her."
"Do you know how it happened? Where is the rascal that dared raise his hand against her? A delicate, highly-strung child like that to be subjected to such brutal treatment! I would like to give him a sound thrashing!"
"She interfered on her little friend's behalf, I gather, from Puggy's account. There is not much doubt about her pluck, is there? I always felt that she had a reserve force of which she herself knew nothing. Are you determined to see her? Come this way and step softly, so as not to disturb her."
Maclahan went into the bedroom, and looked at his sleeping child with tender eyes. Then he came out, wrung Miss Bertha's hand gratefully and strode off down the village in search for the drunken hawker.
When Christina woke up the nest morning, beyond an aching head there was not much the matter with her. Her first thought was of Susy.
"Where is she, please? Oh, she was dreadfully hurt, I know she was!"