When we got to the hill near the meadow, I pulled up and told him about the bridge. "You can try it," said I, "if you want to, but I am going to wait till it gets light before I try it again."
"You are a pretty fellow," said he. "Why didn't you tell me of that before?"
"I was afraid you might not come," said I, "and it was my business to get a doctor."
"Go ahead, then," said he, grittily. "Let's try it."
"No, thank you," said I. "Once in that brook is enough for me, in one night."
"Well, then," said he, "do you know any other bridge or ford?"
I knew of a bridge two miles above. The road was like porridge, but we reached it, tried it carefully, and at length got across without swimming. The remainder of the way was comparatively uneventful; and we reached the Sylvesters' just as day began to dawn. Four old ladies were there, including Gram. They greeted the doctor with great glee. He was late—but all was well.
Nevertheless, that was a good trip for young Dr. Green. The folks thereabouts said that he must be a staunch young fellow to turn out on such a night. I always felt that they might have added a word for me, too.
The doctor told me a while ago that that ride was worth a thousand dollars to him.
"Well, then, doctor, suppose we divide that thousand," I said.