"He is not dead, Kathleen, believe me," said Aylmer. "His heart beats, though feebly."
"Are you sure, Aylmer?"
"Quite sure. Be calm, if you want to be of use."
Kathleen had always trusted Aylmer implicitly, and his quiet firmness had the effect of allaying her excitement, but she said with decision, "He must be carried to the Hall. No one must care for him but myself. For my sake he risked his life, dear, loving-hearted child!"
"Yes, no doubt he wanted to honour his friend's arrival. Sit beside him, Kathleen, but do not move him, or you may do harm."
Not another moment was lost. Aylmer obtained help and sent for the doctor, but he knew well how to convey the unconscious child to the house in the easiest way, and this was done.
Kathleen waited eagerly for the doctor's report, and asked him, "Is there any hope?"
"Certainly there is hope," he replied, "though it will be many a day before our young friend climbs a tree again."
To himself Dr. Burgon added, "if ever," for the boy's injuries were severe. His right shoulder was dislocated, through being entangled in the bough, one rib was broken, but, worst of all, there was concussion of the brain.
"He must have fallen on his head," said Aylmer.