Sam, more ashamed of himself than ever, slunk away.
And the fishermen started to lead the horses and carriage towards Tanglewood.
Meanwhile the messengers dispatched by Claudia hurried on towards Reuben Gray's cottage. But before they got in sight of the house they came full upon Reuben, who was mounted on his white cob, and riding as if for a wager.
"Hey! hallo! stop!" cried the foremost man, throwing up his arms before the horse, which immediately started and shied.
"Hush, can't ye! Don't stop me now! I'm in a desp'at hurry! I'm off for the doctor! My wife's taken bad, and may die before I get back!" exclaimed Reuben, with a scared visage, as he tried to pass the messengers.
"Going for the doctor! There's just where we were going to send you! Go as fast as you can, and if your wife isn't very bad indeed, send him first of all to Tanglewood, where he is wanted immediately."
"Who is ill there?" inquired Reuben anxiously.
"Nobody! but your nephew has been knocked down and trampled nearly to death while stopping Miss Merlin's horses that were running away with her."
"Ishmael hurt! Good gracious! there's nothing but trouble in this world! Where is the poor lad?"
"Miss Merlin has taken him to Tanglewood. The doctor is wanted there."