Frank turned and dashed for the hospital at full speed, all of the other boys right behind him.
Not waiting to reach the gate, Frank vaulted the fence and raced for the building. Just inside stood the doctor.
“Frank!” he cried, “They just told me you were here. You’ve got to act quickly. Your father’s weaker, suddenly, and there’s only one thing I know to be done. The drug we need for his heart is not in town nor at Bellport, and we’ve only one chance to get it—a druggist at Coville has it. I’ve just telephoned. Can you make it there in your boat—is it fast enough—can it be trusted to come back at once? It’s life or death. You’ve got to get to Coville and back with the utmost speed!”
Frank stood dazed for a moment.
“Tell the druggist I’m coming!” he cried, turning to the door.
CHAPTER XIII
RACING FOR A LIFE
Fate had taken a hand in affairs. Frank Allen, one of the most loving and obedient of sons, had grown up to his present age with a fine respect and a high regard for his father. He was now stricken by this news from the lips of the doctor.
“It’s life or death!” resounded in his ears as he turned to run out of the hospital.
Paul, Ralph and Lanky had overheard the words of the doctor—and could not misunderstand. But, as is always the case, the news came to their ears with an entirely different meaning. Though they regarded Frank highly, though they loved him, though there was little they would not do for him and with him as their guide, the words meant not so much to them as they meant to their sturdy, aggressive leader.