There were others, however, who were ready enough to assist Dick, and Chester was borne into the hotel, where he was attended by one of the village doctors who had joined the crowd. In a few moments he recovered.
The doctor was unable to tell just how much Chester was hurt, and he was taken to a room for further examination and treatment. June kept close to him, betraying the greatest anxiety on his account.
Chester’s back was injured, and he did not seem to have strength enough in his legs to walk. However, as he lay on the bed, he gave his sister a reproachful look, saying:
“See what you have brought me to, June! It was all on account of your obstinacy, and——”
“Oh, hush, Chester!” she said gently. “I am very sorry anything happened to you.”
“And you came near being killed, too. If you had——”
“Don’t talk that way! I am all right, thanks to Mr. Merriwell.”
He started as if he had been stabbed with a keen point, his face showing pain and anger.
“That fellow! that fellow!” he panted. “That he should be the one to stop the horse! Oh, I’d given anything rather than had him save you!”
“I presume you would have preferred to see me thrown out and injured or killed!” she exclaimed.