s
model boat in his arms, instead of leaving it as the others had done
theirs.

"'No, he ha'n't,' replied Jack; 'and, what's more, it's likely he won't
be for some time either; for I hears Tom Brown saying to Tim that my
father would be late to-night, and I knows your grandfather is to keep
him company.'

"'Then what's to be done now, miss?' said Dick. 'I had been thinking
grandfather, who knows all about sores, seeing as he was boatswain's
mate aboard a man-o'-war, might have been able to put young master's leg
to rights.'

"'Oh no, Dick, that would never do,' said Vea; 'we must get him ashore
and laid in your grandfather's bed, and somebody had better run up to
tell aunt of the accident, and get her to send for the doctor at once.'

[Illustration: WILD DICK'S HOME.]

"While Natilie prepared the bed in the old fisherman's hut, Patrick was
being carried by the men who had been summoned from the boats. The poor
boy was still in a fainting state, and it was not till after he had been
laid on the bed that he opened his eyes and showed signs of
consciousness. 'Oh, where am I?' he uttered; but even this exertion was
too much for him, and he became insensible once more.

"'It's a bad break, this,' said one of the men to his fellow; 'I
shouldn't wonder, now, if he had to lose his leg altogether!'

"'Oh, please don't speak of it,' said Vea, her face becoming ghastly
pale. 'Do look out again, Lily dear, and see if Alfred is coming with
the doctor.'

"Yes; there he was at last, running at a break-neck speed down the steep
and rocky bank to the beach, while the doctor was distinctly seen high
overhead on the regular path, coming very quickly too. Indeed, though he
had taken the longest road, and did not seem to hasten like Alfred, he
was only a few minutes behind him, and showed no signs of heat and
over-exertion.

"'Heyday, this is a pretty business,' said Dr. Blyth cheerily. 'What's
this you've been about, Miss Vea? breaking your brother's leg, eh?' All
this time he had been unrolling a case of formidable-looking
instruments, taking off his coat, and getting fresh water brought, and
bandages prepared with the help of Natilie. When these were ready, he
turned to look at his patient, and bidding every one leave the hut but
the two fishermen and Natilie, he shut the door against them himself,
and secured it firmly.

"'Oh, please, doctor, let me stay,' Vea had said pitifully. 'I'm sure
Patrick would like me to stay.'