"It is this, if you don't mind. Who told you I was waiting by the roadside for you?"
"I don't know that there is any harm in telling you, but I guess I had better not," Uncle Job replied, glancing at me. "Perhaps it was the same person who told you I was coming this way. Who knows? I will make a bargain with you, though, Burke, if you have a mind. Answer my question and I will answer yours."
To this Burke made no reply, shutting his mouth as if it concealed a secret of the greatest value to him.
"Very well; we will say no more about it," Uncle Job continued. "Now, Gilbert, if you will look after him, I will see if I can do anything for Blott." And going into the cabin, he got down on his knees and commenced to work over the fallen man as before. "His heart flutters and there is life in him, if I only knew how to get at it, but that is just where I fail," he exclaimed at last, rising to his feet. "We must have a doctor, Gilbert, and quickly, if he is to be saved."
"A doctor!" I answered.
"Yes; and to get him we must go to Appletop."
"Blott will surely die before he could reach here," I answered.
"Perhaps not, if you were to go without loss of time," Uncle Job replied, looking at me inquiringly.
"I'll not go," I answered, shortly, determined not to leave him alone with Burke.
"Why not? No harm can come to you, and I am as safe here as in bed. Besides, it may save Blott's life. You are not strong enough, though, to stand the ride, I am afraid," he added, scanning my face.