ng it. He was on the top rung and was just
stepping softly to the roof when there was a snapping of rotten wood
and the bar beneath his foot gave way, sending him crashing headlong
to the ground.

Fortunately for Theo the cabin was a low one, and he had not far to
fall; but in trying to save himself he twisted one leg beneath him,
and the result was most disastrous. He felt a sudden sharp pain as he
struck the earth, and when a second later he attempted to rise he
discovered to his chagrin that it was impossible for him to do
so. Every movement he made hurt him excruciatingly, and presently
feeling both faint and dizzy he abandoned further effort.

For an interval he lay very still, ashamed to call for help; then
pocketing his pride he began to yell lustily. His cries brought Franz
and Manuel from the kitchen, Mr. Croyden from his cabin, and Dr. Swift
from his room. Luckily it was just noontime and every one was indoors
awaiting lunch.

Of what followed Theo had only a vague idea. He remembered that his
father and Mr. Croyden raised him in their arms, and that in spite of
their gentleness he had cried with pain at their touch. Then he had
been put on his bed where his father proceeded to examine the injured
leg. Every motion the Doctor made caused the boy intense
agony. Afterward he had been allowed to rest, and then his father bent
over him very gravely and with trembling lips said:

"Son, I've got to hurt you; I've got to hurt you a great deal. Your
leg is broken, and we are miles from a hospital. I have no ether to
give you, and the bone must be set. I want you to be as brave as you
can and bear the pain that I must cause you. I need not tell you that
I will work as gently as possible. Now pull yourself together and show
me the sort of son I have. The more steady your nerve is the more it
will help me, and the sooner I can finish what I must do."

"All right, Father."

"That's the stuff!" ejaculated Mr. Croyden, who was standing at the
bedside. "You are a genuine Spartan, Theo."

The lad smiled feebly.

"I'll try to be."

"Of course you will! You are your father's own boy."

Dr. Swift stooped and touched the drawn forehead with his cool hand.

"I am going to leave you with Mr. Croyden for a few moments while I
get some of the things I need," he said in a low tone. "Keep perfectly
still and rest a little if you can. There is no need for you to
worry. We will have you all fixed up within an hour. It is a