"As right and as fine as ever," answered Mr. Richmond.
Joe could hardly sit still during the ride home. He got out of the automobile and went through the snow up to the front door. His father opened it, and Joe saw his mother standing at the end of the hall.
For a moment Mrs. Richmond could hardly believe what she saw.
"Joe! Joe, my little boy!" she cried. "Oh, you have come home again! Are you all right? Are your legs better? Can you walk?"
"Can I walk, Mother!" cried Joe, in a happy voice. "Of course I can! I can walk without my crutches, and I can run! I can run! See!"
And with that Joe ran down the hall and into his mother's arms.
Oh, what a joyful happy time there was! Joe's legs were straight and strong again, and he did not need his crutches any more.
"And now where is my Nodding Donkey?" he asked. "I want to see him!"