"Put your hand under my shoulder here, and help me to sit up. I want to see if any bones are broken."
Aided by Aaron Mr. Gossett assumed a sitting posture. While he was feeling of himself, searching for wounds and broken bones, he heard his horse snort. This reminded him (for he was still somewhat dazed) that he had started out with a horse and buggy.
"That's your horse, I reckon. Mine's at home by this time with two buggy shafts swinging to him. Lord! what a fool a man can be!"
"That's your horse," said Aaron.
"Mine? Who stopped him?"
"Me," Aaron answered.
"You? Why, as near as I can remember, he was coming down this hill like the dogs were after him. Who are you, anyhow?"
"One."
"Well, you are worth a dozen common men. Give me your hand."
Mr. Gossett slowly raised himself to his feet, shook first one leg and then the other, and appeared to be much relieved to find that his body and all of its members were intact. He walked about a little, and then went close to Aaron and peered in his face.