CHAPTER XVII.
SQUIRE TALFORD'S ACCIDENT.
It was evident that the man was suffering intensely; but resolutely repressing, as far as he was able, outward manifestations of the fact, he turned to the cabman and briefly inquired:
"What's to pay for this?"
The man named his price, and, with a grunt of disapprobation, the squire drew forth his wallet—the same that Mollie had restored to him only a few hours previous—and paid the amount, whereupon the driver hurried away to his team below.
Squire Talford had not taken the slightest notice of Clifford, but the young man, although he found himself in an awkward position, felt that he had a duty to perform, and courteously inquired if he should go for a surgeon to attend to the injured limb.
"No," was the gruff response, "the leg has already been attended to at the drug-store, where I made the mis-step."
Cliff glanced down and observed for the first time that his boot had been removed and the ankle bandaged.
"But you will have to get to bed, sir; let me assist you," he remarked.
"No—I can do well enough by myself—I don't want any help," the squire returned ungraciously.