He extended his hand, and this time the scoutmaster did not hesitate to help him up. Together the two assisted the girl to her feet, and Mr. Curtis reached for a blanket, placing it carefully around her shoulders.
“Thank you,” she murmured shyly. She had recovered from her fright, and seemed none the worse for the accident. “Dad, if we could only get a car or something to take us home,” she said pluckily.
“Our truck isn’t exactly comfortable,” suggested Mr. Curtis, “but I fancy it would be the quickest way.”
“Decidedly!” agreed the man. “The nearest house is two miles off, and my own place isn’t more than double that. But wouldn’t it be inconveniencing you?”
“Not a bit! We have plenty of time; and anyway, your man ought to have a doctor’s attention as soon as possible. The boys can wait here till the truck comes back.”
Without further delay he motioned Ward and Crancher to help the chauffeur and led the way to the truck. Full of interest and curiosity, the others watched them take their places, saw the engine started, and remained staring after the lumbering vehicle until it had passed out of sight around the curve. Then began an eager discussion of the whole affair, until finally some one suggested building a fire and drying out their wet clothes. The latter process was still going on when the truck returned, after nearly an hour’s absence, and Mr. Curtis leaped out. As he came up to the group he was smiling.
“Who was it, sir?” called several of the scouts at once. “Did you find out?”
“I did.” The scoutmaster’s smile deepened a little. “You can have three guesses.”
There was a moment’s puzzled silence; then, “Mr. Thornton?” hazarded Court Parker, flippantly.
“Not quite,” laughed Mr. Curtis; “only his brother and niece.”