THE DOCTOR. 29 



Presently the maid appeared, and announced that two 

 men wanted to see the doctor. 



"Show them to my room," said our father, rising 

 and laying his violin on the sideboard. We ceased 

 our several occupations, and began to speculate. Some 

 one must have been taken suddenly ill, or an accident 

 must have happened somewhere, to bring messengers 

 so late at night, and on such a night. 



Our first conjecture was that a shipwreck had 

 occurred somewhere on the rocky coast, and perhaps 

 some of the sailors were hurt and required surgical 

 aid. In a few minutes our father returned. 



" What is it ? " said our mother anxiously ; " has 

 anything happened ? I hope you won't have to go out 

 in such weather." 



" I am afraid I must," was the grave reply ; " a poor 

 Fetlar man, in landing from his boat this afternoon, has 

 got his leg broken and crushed, and is bleeding badly. 

 I must go at once." 



" But is it possible for any boat to cross the sound 

 with such a storm raging ? " asked my brother. 



" Perhaps not," said our father, " we shall see when 

 we reach the sound side. Possibly by that time the 

 weather may have moderated At any rate, I must 

 go so far, and cross if it is at all practicable ; the poor 

 fellow might die from loss of blood if I don't go." 

 Then ringing the bell he gave his orders. "Have 

 Herman saddled ; give the men some food and warm 

 tea, and be quick about it." In a few minutes he had 

 got together his surgical instruments and appliances. 



