"All right," he said, with a sigh. "Madge, my wife, is asleep, I suppose? Have I been ill long? Don't wake her or distress her; I shall be all right! Stop!" he exclaimed; "the paints and things, they are in my pockets, and the easel will be sent on to-day. Give them to her! I hope they haven't come to harm!"
"They are all safe," said the doctor soothingly.
"I'm glad," said Blair, with another sigh; "and the horse is all right? Well, it's not so bad! I thought he had settled me, confound him!"
The doctor thought he referred to the colt, but Austin Ambrose's cheeks paled.
He stepped forward noiselessly.
"I am here, Blair," he murmured softly. "Take the doctor's advice, and don't talk yet."
"You, Austin, old fellow!" exclaimed Blair, trying to hold out his hand. "Why, how did you hear of it? To come the same night. That's kind. But how did you get here? and Madge—have you seen Madge? Don't let her be frightened, Austin, I shall be up in an hour or two. Tell her—no, don't tell her anything; leave it to me."
"Very well," said Austin; "and now get some sleep, old fellow. I shan't say another word."
Blair closed his eyes, and presently the doctor looked up and nodded.