Tom presented himself at the office below as soon as he could after hearing of the accident.
"Is he much hurt? Is he in danger?" he asked, anxiously, for Jacob was nearer to him than any one else.
"He is now sleeping, and must not be disturbed. Come tomorrow, and we can tell you more," was the reply.
"You can tell me if he was much hurt."
"One leg is broken, but we cannot yet tell whether he has received any internal injury. All depends upon that."
Tom presented himself the next day. This time the physician looked grave.
"We have reason to think that he is injured internally. His life is uncertain."
"Poor Jacob!" murmured Tom, moved by pity for the old man.
"Is he your grandfather?" asked the physician.
"No; but I have lived with him for some years. Can I see him?"