work,
no matter what happens. What would become of my mother, and who would
pay our rent if my money stopped coming in? No sir-e-e! I shall get
this foot bandaged up and be back at the tannery to-morrow. The doctor
can fix it so I can keep at work, can't he, Mr. Bryant?"

"I hope so, Jackson," replied Bryant, kindly. "We'll see when he comes."

But the doctor was far less optimistic. He examined the ankle,
pronounced it fractured, and ordered Nat to the hospital where an X-ray
could be taken before the bones were set.

Nat, who had endured the pain like a Spartan, burst into tears.

"What will become of us--of my mother, Peter?" he moaned.

"Now don't you get all fussed up, Nat," said Peter soothingly. "Leave
things to me. I'll take care of your mother and attend to the house
rent. I have plenty of money. You know I have been saving it up ever
since I came here."

"Oh, but Peter--I couldn't think of taking your money!" Nat protested.

"Stuff! Of course you can take it! I should like to know whose money you
would take if not mine. Anyway you can't help yourself. I have you in
my power now and you've got to do just as I say."

"But I don't see how I can ever pay it back, Peter."

"No matter."

"It does matter."

"Well, well! We will settle all that later. Don't worry about it. I am
only too thankful that I have the money to help you out," was Peter's
earnest response. "I'd be a great kind of a chum if I didn't stick by
you when you are in a hole like this. You'd do the same for me."

"You bet I would!"

"Of course! Well, what's the difference?"

"I'm afraid I'll have to take you at your word, Peter," agreed Nat
reluctantly, after an interval of reflection. "I do not just see what
else I can do at present."

"That's the way to talk," cried Peter triumphantly. "I'll look out for
everything. See! They have come with a motor-car to take you to the
hospital! You are going to have your long-coveted ride in an automobile,
Nat."

Nat laughed in spite of himself.

"I'm not so keen about it as I was."

Gently the men lifted him in and the doctor followed.

"I'll be out in a week, Peter--sure thing!" called Nat shutting his lips
tightly together to stifle a moan as the car shot ahead.

"A week, indeed!" sniffed Bryant, as he turned away. "It'll be nearer a
month. So Jackson has a mother to look after, has he?"

"Yes, sir."

"Well, suppose you go right over there and ease her mind about this
accident befo