Bobby started off at full speed, and Tim, now encouraged to think that Tip might yet recover, began to look hopeful.
Bill set to work cutting down some small saplings, out of which he made a very good litter. On this Tip was placed tenderly, and, with Bill at one end and Tim at the other, they started down the path toward the camp. To avoid jolting the dog, thus causing him more pain, they were obliged to walk so slowly that when they reached the beach the boys were putting into the boat the last of their camp equipage.
Each of the party wanted to examine poor Tip, but Bill would not permit it, because of the delay it would cause. He arranged a comfortable place in the bow where Tip could lie, and another where Tim could sit beside him, working all the time as if each moment was of the greatest importance in the saving of Tip’s life.
At last all was ready, the word was given to push off, and the campers rowed swiftly toward home.
Chapter XIII.
IN CONCLUSION.
Every one knew that Tip’s life depended on their getting home quickly, and all the strength they could command was expended on the oars to such purpose that in a trifle more than two hours the boat was moored alongside Dunham’s wharf again.
Without stopping for anything, the entire party followed Tim and Bill to Dr. Abbott’s office, and there they could hardly prevent themselves from cheering when the doctor told them that Tip’s injuries were by no means serious, and that he would soon be well, although it was possible that he might always be lame in one hind-leg.
The shots were soon extracted, and Tip taken to the most comfortable spot in Mr. Tucker’s barn, where it is safe to say he did not suffer from want of attention.