One of the porters and Dawson had hastily descended after the boy, who was lifted up in their arms, groaning heavily.
Mr. Hadleigh came in at the moment, asking what had happened. Every one gave a different answer.
"He is severely injured," he said, as he bent over the boy. "David, run for Mr. Daly; ask him to come at once. Can you two carry the lad upstairs?"
When Mrs. Hadleigh had found out what had happened, she declared he ought to be sent at once to the hospital. But her husband said the boy reminded him more of his brother every day, and for that brother's sake he should be nursed in the house. The doctor's verdict settled everything; he said the patient must on no account be moved; the hip-bone was broken, and he must be kept perfectly quiet.
When the bone was set, and the boy somewhat more comfortable, though in great pain and weakness, Clarice crept softly into the room, and watched him for a moment with tears in her eyes. He looked so white and suffering; and to think it should happen through the carelessness and unkindness of another!
Presently Owen opened his eyes. "Is that you, Clarice?"
"Yes; how are you now?"
"Isn't it a good thing I was saved in time?" His voice was feeble, though the tone was glad.
"Saved in time?" questioned Clarice.
"Yes, I mean saved before this happened. You see, I could not have thought about these things while I was in such pain—at least, it would have made me feel worse. Now the pain is all outside; my heart is happy. Jesus comes and says to me, 'My peace I give unto you.'"