In the cottage one of the bedrooms was situated upon the lower floor, and to this Mr. Dare was carried, and laid down as tenderly as these men were able to do such an unaccustomed task. He drew a deep breath when his head touched the pillow, and an instant later opened his eyes.
"Where am I?" were his first words.
"Home, John," replied his wife. "You had a fail, and—"
"Yes, I remember. Oh, how my side hurts!"
"Lie still. The doctor will soon be here. Would you like a drink?"
"Yes."
Mrs. Dare gave him some water, but he only drank a little, and then began to cough.
"It's inside!" he gasped. "My ribs are broken, I think."
Richard comforted his sisters as best he could. It was not long before Dr. Melvin arrived, and his coming inspired the little household with hope.
"Is it very serious?" asked Richard, after an examination into his father's condition had been made.