“I wish it wasn’t necessary,” said his father troubledly. “I—I feel mighty bad about it, son.”
“I guess it won’t kill me,” answered Tom, trying to grin.
“Well—anyhow, we don’t have to decide to-night; we’ll think it over, son. Maybe—to-morrow——”
“I guess thinking it over won’t make it any easier,” answered Tom wisely. “It’ll have to be done, I guess. Only—only I’d like to kill Connors!” And he hurried out of the room so that his father would not see the angry tears in his eyes.
Supper was a lugubrious meal that evening. The subject was not spoken of again and Mrs. Benton tried to be cheerful and make her husband and son forget for the time the trouble confronting them, but she received little assistance from the others, and they were all relieved when, just as Mrs. Benton was serving the preserved strawberries, there was a loud peal of the door-bell, and, before Tom could jump up to answer it, the door crashed open and Mr. Connors strode into the sitting-room beyond. Tom, on his feet, napkin in hand, stared as the liveryman strode forward to the dining-room door. Mr. Connors’ face was pale and distraught and he was gasping for breath as though he had been running. Mr. Benton leaped to his feet and started forward, but Mr. Connors spoke before there was a chance for questions.
“Benton,” he said hoarsely, addressing Tom, “they’ve hurt my boy over to Finley Falls. Chase telegraphed me. I’ve got to get to him. There’s no train till eighty-forty and that may be too late. Can you get me there in that auto of yours? Speak quick!”
“Your son’s hurt?” cried Mr. Benton. “I’m sorry, Bill! Is it—is it bad?”
Mechanically the other searched in his pocket and pulled out a crumpled piece of yellow paper, his eyes still fastened on Tom.
“Read it yourself,” he muttered. “It—sounds bad, John. I’ve got to get to him somehow. I thought——”
“‘George seriously injured in game. Come to City Hospital immediately. Wire me when you will reach here. Lyman Chase!’” Mr. Benton read the message aloud and handed it back. “Perhaps it’s not so serious as you fear, Bill,” he said sympathetically. “But of course you must go at once, Tom.”