s if we could take too much trouble for you!" exclaimed Dora, and
blushed sweetly. It was not likely that she would ever forget all the
Rovers had done for her and her mother.

Tom was anxious to learn about the Lanings, and was told that they were
all at home and doing finely.

"Nellie and Grace are going on a visit to an aunt at Timber Run after
the holidays," said Dora. "They wanted me to go along, but I didn't care
to leave mamma, and we didn't wish to lock up the house for fear some
tramps might break in and rob us."

After breakfast Sam said he felt like sitting up, but toward noon his
chest began to hurt him again, and Mrs. Stanhope said it would be best
that somebody go for a doctor. Dick and Tom both volunteered, but it was
finally decided that Dick should go alone, on horseback.

A steed was soon saddled, and off Dick rode, wrapped in his overcoat and
with an old fur cap pulled well down over his ears. It had now stopped
snowing, so the weather was not quite as unpleasant as it had been.

Dick was bound for the house of Dr. Fremley, a physician he knew well,
and thither he made his way as speedily as the horse could plow through
the drifts which presented themselves. At times, when the wind arose, it
was nipping cold, and the youth was glad to get in where it was warm
when the physician's office in Cedarville was reached.

"Certainly, I will come and see your brother," said Dr. Fremley. "I'll
be ready to go in about half an hour."

"Will you go on horseback?"

"Yes."

"Then I'll wait in town and go back with you," said Dick. "I wish to
make a purchase or two."

It was agreed that the youth should meet the physician at half-past
twelve, and leaving his horse in the latter's stable, Dick walked down
the main street of Cedarville.

He had his Christmas money with him, and entering a drug store he bought
a cup of hot chocolate, that warmed him considerably. After this he
selected a bottle of cologne and a box of chocolates as a Christmas gift
for Dora.

Opposite to the drug store was a stationery and book store, and here
Dick procured a fancy floral calendar for Mrs. Stanhope and an
interesting girl's book for Dora.

From the store Dick could obtain a side view of the Cedarville Hotel,
which stood on a corner up the street, and having paid for his purchases
the youth stood near the door and watched the hotel, wondering at the
same time if he would see anything of Dan Baxter.

Presently a number o