"Bad! very bad! poor fellow!" said the doctor, jumping from his gig as he drew up before the house.
Claudia ran in before him, leading the way to the sick chamber, at the door of which she rapped to announce the arrival. This time old Katie opened the door, and admitted the doctor.
Claudia, excluded from entrance, walked up and down the hall in a fever of anxiety.
Once old Katie came out and Claudia arrested her.
"What does the doctor say, Katie?"
"He don't say nothing satisfactory, Miss Claudia. Don't stop me, please! I'm sent for bandages and things!"
And Katie hurried on her errand, and presently reappeared with her arms full of linen and other articles, which she carried into the sick-room. Later, the doctor came out attended by the judge.
Claudia waylaid them with the questions:
"What is the nature of his injuries? are they fatal?"
"Not fatal; but very serious. One leg and arm are broken; and he is very badly bruised; but worst of all is the great shock to his very sensitive nervous system," was the reply of Doctor Jarvis.