And then it came out that Alexia's aunt had heard a chance word dropped about the accident, and had run down to Mr. King's in her distress, so she was there awaiting them; and the fathers and brothers of the rest of the “Salisbury girls” took off their charges, much to the relief of the governess. So presently Jasper had his party all settled in the carriage, Dr. Pennell saying, “Well, I resign my responsibility about that arm to you, Dr. Fisher.” He lifted his hat, and was off.
“Oh, wait!” cried Polly in great distress as Thomas was just starting off with a dash, “I must speak to him.”
“Polly—what is it?” cried Jasper. “Wait, Thomas!” So Thomas pulled up.
“I must—I must,” declared Polly. Her foot was on the step, and she was soon out.
“I'll go with you,” said Jasper, as she sped down through the streams of people pouring along the platform, to thread her way after the tall figure, Jasper by her side. “Dr. Pennell—oh, please stop.”
“Hey?” The doctor pulled up in his brisk walk. “Oh dear me! what is it?”
“Will you please tell me—do you know who the poor man was who was killed?” she gasped.
“Oh Polly,” cried Jasper, “was there some one killed?”
“Yes, he was a brakeman, Polly,” said Dr. Pennell.
“Oh, I know—but where did he live?” cried Polly, “and had he any children?” all in one breath.