I knocked at his door, and called him again and again; but I got no answer.'

I went at once to his room, and knocked, but no answer came. I tried the handle, and found that the door was unlocked. I entered the room, and struck a light. Uncle Bryan was not there, and his bed had not been lain upon. I went downstairs into my own bedroom, and searched the house swiftly; uncle Bryan was not in it.

Did you see him go out, Josey?'

'No; I have not seen him since you left.'

'I must run for the doctor. Will you stop here?'

'I'll stop, Chris, and do all I can to help you.'

I pressed her hand, and within half an hour the doctor was at my mother's bedside. I waited below until he came down.

'If you will walk back with me,' he said, will give you some medicine for your mother.'

'Is she very ill, sir?'

'Very.'