Dr. Haynes came downstairs at the first ring of the door bell, helping the boys to bring the still unconscious peddler inside.
There, under a strong light, with the peddler stretched on an operating table, the physician looked Reuben Hinman over.
"I can't find evidence of any bones being broken," said the physician.
"It's my opinion that shock and exhaustion have done their work.
Reuben is a very hard-working old man."
"Then you know him?" Dick asked.
"Everyone in this part of the country knows Reuben," replied the doctor. "He's one of our characters."
"He must have a hard life of it, and make rather a poor living,"
Prescott suggested.
"I guess he would make a good enough living, if——-" began the physician, then checked himself.
"Are you going to bring the man to consciousness, doctor?" asked
Dave.
"Yes; after I get a few things ready. I don't believe we'll have much trouble with him, though we'll have to get Reuben home and make him rest for a few days."
"Where does he live?" Dick inquired.