“No; wait a bit. I don’t mean to be left alone out here if I can help it. Now, Mas’ Don, you lift that there left leg, and see if it’s broke.”
Don raised it tenderly, and replaced it gently.
“I don’t think it’s broken, Jem.”
“Arn’t it? Well, it feels like it. P’r’aps it’s t’other one. Try.”
Don raised and replaced Jem’s right leg.
“That isn’t broken either, Jem.”
“P’r’aps they’re only crushed. Try my arms, my lad.”
These were tried in turn, and laid down.
“No, Jem.”
“Seems stoopid,” said Jem. “I thought I was broke all over. It must be my back, and when a man’s back’s broke, he feels it all over. Here, lend us a hand, my lad; and I’ll try and walk. Soon see whether a man’s back’s broke.”