ssing the bridge. Dock was disappointed, and began
to climb the rocks to readjust the plank. As he ascended, he discovered
Mr. Fairfield, just stepping on the bridge. He shouted, but it was too
late; the end of the plank slipped off, the old man danced upon
nothing, and sank in the abyss below.

CHAPTER V.

AN INDUCTIVE ARGUMENT.

Dock Vincent was appalled to find that he had tumbled Mr. Fairfield
into the chasm; not that he was disturbed by any compunctions of
conscience, but because he wished to keep on the right side of the old
man, from prudential motives. He was in doubt whether to exhibit
himself to the injured man or not. If he showed himself, he might be
suspected of setting the trap into which the miser had fallen.

The old man might be dead, and curiosity, if no stronger motive,
induced him to inquire into his condition; but he took the precaution
to reach the path by a roundabout way, and approach the chasm as though
he had just come from his house. When he reached the abyss, he found
Mr. Fairfield had risen, and was trying to climb up the rocks. He was
groaning and taking on as though he had been badly hurt.

"What's the matter, Squire Fairfield?" demanded Dock. "What you doing
down there?"

"O! O!" groaned the miser.

"Looking for your money in there?"

"O! No! O! I fell in," said the sufferer, in gasps.

"Fell in! Why, how did that happen?" asked Dock, with well-feigned
astonishment.

"I donno. O! that plank gin away, O, and let me down."

"Are you hurt?"

"Most killed," replied Mr. Fairfield, holding his breath, and then
exploding the words.

Dock walked down the shelving bank above the water, and then entered
the chasm.

"Where are you hurt?" he asked.

"My hips is both broke, and I'm jarred e'enamost to pieces."

[Illustration: DOCK VINCENT'S VICTIM.--Page 54.]

"I guess your hips aren't broke; you couldn't stand up if they were,"
suggested Dock.

"Sunthin's broke, I know."

"Sit down on this rock, and let me see what is broke."

Mr. Fairfield complied, and Dock, who, as the master of a vessel, had
had some experience with sickness and injuries, carefully examined the
old man's limbs. He was badly bruised in several places, on the legs
and arms, but no bones appeared to be broken, so far as Dock's surgical
skill could discern. The jar of the fall had doubtless racked his frame
severely; but the miser was still a strong man, physically, and could
bear a pretty hard rap