In a twinkling he was down the hill at the water’s edge. She had returned by the afternoon boat. He met Grandmother on the landing, and was so busy telling all about what had happened to “Grannyfader” that Granny was thoroly scared, and absolutely confused as to whether it had been a tornado or a band of robbers, between Ginkle’s description of fallen trees and strangers suddenly appearing, so that she hurried breathless up the steps, across the porch, into the house, Ginkle pulling vigorously at her hand all the way and hurrying her on.
“Why, what’s the matter? What do you mean? Grannyfather hurt? How can that be?” exclaimed Granny, all out of breath, as she jostled into the room along with the lad.
“Why—what has happened?” was her anxious question, as she hurried to the rocker.
“Not so bad, Granny. Don’t get scared,” was the reassuring word from Grandfather. All the rest were silent, and the little grandson stood by with open eyes, chewing his thumb, as the injured man went on to explain what had happened. By this time Granny was straightening the pillows, and bustling about to help him into a more comfortable position.
“Mighty lucky the little feller was around,” remarked the chauffeur, “believe me, he c’n run. We had a hard time to keep up with ’im.”
“Yes,” added Grandfather, “you ought to have seen him start off for help. He disappeared like a shot, without even stopping for me to instruct him,” said Grandfather, stroking the bushy head as he spoke.
Grandmother was profuse in her gratitude to the men as they left, and went immediately on their departure to telephone for a doctor. On his arrival he made a careful examination, and assured them that no bones were broken, that aside from bruises and a severe wrenching of the back-bone there was likely no injury. After a few days, if Grandfather was careful, he would quite surely be about again as usual. The escape certainly was a fortunate one, and the service rendered by our little friend remarkable. The doctor patted Ginkle on the head and left.
While the doctor came again the following day, and then again later, all went as he had at first judged. After a few days Grannyfather and grandson were again seated in the warm morning sunshine out under the pines.
“Grannyfader feel well?” inquired Ginkle looking out toward the fresh blue water of the lake.
“Remarkably so, boy, remarkably,” was the answer; “shall we go tree cutting again?”