'That' was a bunch of weeds thrown into the road just before the
horses' heads, from over the fence; and was just enough to give them
the start which they were ready for. They set off instantly at full
run. The road was good and clear; the carriage was light; the wind was
inspiriting, the oats suggestive of mischief. The doctor's boasted rein
and hand with all the aid of steel bits, were powerless to stop them.
In vain he coaxed and called to them; their speed increased every
minute; they had made up their minds to be frightened, and plunged
along accordingly. The doctor spoke once or twice to Faith, encouraging
or advising her; she did not speak nor stir.

They were just hearing the brow of a hill, when an unlucky boy in the
road, thinking to stay their progress, stepped before them and waved
his hat over his head. Faith heard an execration from the doctor, then
his shout to her, "Don't stir, Miss Derrick!"--and then she hardly knew
anything else. The horses plunged madly down the hill, leaped carriage
and all across a fence at the bottom of it, where the road turned,
overthrew themselves and landed the doctor and Faith on different sides
of the carriage, in a meadow.

The doctor picked himself up again, entirely unhurt, and going round to
Faith lifted her head from the ground. But she was stunned by the fall,
and for a few minutes remained senseless.

In these circumstances, no house being near, the doctor naturally
shouted to a cap or hat which he saw passing along the road. Which cap
also it happened belonged to Sam Stoutenburgh, who was on an errand
into the country for his father.

If ever Dr. Harrison was unceremoniously put aside, it was then. Sam
had come rather leisurely at first--then with a sort of flying bound
which cleared the fence like a thistle down, he bore down upon the
doctor, and taking up Faith as easily as if she had been a kitten,
absolutely ran with her to a spring which welled up through the long
meadow grass a few yards off. There the doctor found him applying the
cold water with both gentleness and skill, for Sam Stoutenburgh had a
mother, and her fingers had been so employed about his own head many a
time.

"You're a handy fellow!" said the doctor with a mixture of expressions,
as he joined his efforts to Sam's.--"That will do it!"--

For Faith opened her eyes. The first word was "Mother!"--then she sat
up and looked round, and then covered her face.

"Are you hurt?" said Dr. Har