"Yes! as soon as it happened! He ought to be here in an hour from this!" replied Claudia, wringing her hands.
"His clothes must be cut away from him; it might do his fractured limbs irreparable injury to try to draw off his coat and trousers in the usual manner. Leave him to me, Claudia, and go and tell old Katie to come here and bring a pair of sharp shears with her," ordered the judge.
Claudia stooped down quickly, gave one wistful, longing, compassionate gaze at the still, cold white face of the sufferer, and then hurried out to obey her father's directions. She sent old Katie in, and then threw off her hat and mantle and sat down on the step of the door to watch for the doctor's approach, and also to be at hand to hear any tidings that might come from the room of the wounded boy.
More than an hour Claudia remained on the watch without seeing anyone. Then, when suspense grew intolerable, she impulsively sprang up and silently hastened to the door of the sick-room and softly rapped.
The judge came and opened it.
"Oh, papa, how is he?"
"Breathing, Claudia, that is all! I wish to Heaven the doctor would come! Are you sure the messenger went after him!"
"Oh, yes, papa, I am sure! Do let me come in and see him!"
"It is no place for you, Claudia; he is partially undressed; I will take care of him."
And with these words the judge gently closed the door in his daughter's face.