“I thought I should hear from you soon!” he said. “I wrote to Mr. Day on Thursday, but have had no reply. What has happened? Nothing serious, I hope?”
“I hardly know, uncle. John Day is lying at our house, unable to move or speak.”
My uncle started up as if to spring from his bed, but fell back again with a groan.
“Don't be alarmed, uncle!” I said. “He is, I hope, safe for the moment, with Penny to watch him; but I am very anxious Dr. Southwell should see him.”
“How did it come about, little one?”
“There has been no accident that I know of. But I scarcely know more than you,” I replied—and told him all that had taken place within my ken.
He lay silent a moment, thinking.
“I can't say I like his lying there with only Penny to protect him!” he said. “He must have come seeking refuge! I don't like the thing at all! He is in some danger we do not know!”
“I will go back at once, uncle,” I replied, and rose from the bedside, where I had seated myself a little tired.
“You must, if we cannot do better. But I think we can. Martha shall go, and you will stay with me. Run at once and wake Dr. Southwell. Ask him to come directly.”