"'What is it, my boy?' I asked and after seeming to collect himself he asked, in perfect calmness:
"'Who is that?'
"'The Chief,' I answered. 'Did you fall?' He closed his eyes and made an effort to move. I put my arm around him. He said:
"'Chief, is the boat still there?' I told him it was.
"'Help me up. Be careful. I think my collar-bone is broken again. Oh, Lord! Does—does the Old Man know?'
"'It was he sent me,' I said. 'He was afraid you had had an accident. Does that hurt?'
"'No—but catch hold of me lower down, will you?'
"'How did it happen? Did you slip?'
"'Oh, Lord! Yes—slipped, you know—look out!'
"'I thought you were dead,' I said jocularly, as we reached the path.