zealously upon this errand.
Meanwhile Sam, the craven coachman, came up with a crestfallen air to
the side of the carriage, whimpering:

"Miss Claudia, I hope nobody was dangerous hurt?"

"Nobody dangerously hurt? Ishmael Worth is killed for aught I know! Keep
out of my way, you cowardly villain!" exclaimed Claudia angrily, for you
know the heiress was no angel.

"'Deed and 'deed, Miss Claudia, I didn't know what I was a-doing of no
more than the dead when I jumped out'n the b'rouche! 'Clare to my
Marster in heben I didn't!" whined Sam.

"Perhaps not; but keep out of my way!" repeated Claudia, with her eyes
kindling. .

"But please, miss, mayn't I drive you home now?"

"What? after nearly breaking my neck, which was saved only at the cost
of this poor boy's life, perhaps?"

"Please, Miss Claudia, I'll be careful another time--"

"Careful of your own life!"

"Please, miss, let me drive you home this once."

"Not to save your soul!"

"But what'll ole Marse say?" cried Sam, in utter dismay.

"That is your affair. I advise you to keep out of his way also! Begone
from my sight! Go on, men!" finally ordered Miss Merlin.

Sam, more ashamed of himself than ever, slunk away.

And the fishermen started to lead the horses and carriage towards
Tanglewood.

Meanwhile the messengers dispatched by Claudia hurried on towards Reuben
Gray's cottage. But before they got in sight of the house they came full
upon Reuben, who was mounted on his white cob, and riding as if for a
wager.

"Hey! hallo! stop!" cried the foremost man, throwing up his arms before
the horse, which immediately started and shied.

"Hush, can't ye! Don't stop me now! I'm in a desp'at hurry! I'm off for
the doctor! My wife's taken bad, and may die before I get back!"
exclaimed Reuben, with a scared visage, as he tried to pass the
messengers.

"Going for the doctor! There's just where we were going to send you! Go
as fast as you can, and if your wife isn't very bad indeed, send him
first of all to Tanglewood, where he is wanted immediately."

"Who is ill there?" inquired Reuben anxiously.

"Nobody! but your nephew has been knocked down and trampled nearly to
death while stopping Miss Merlin's horses that were running away with
her."

"Ishmael hurt! Good gracious! there's nothing but trouble in this world!
Where is the poor lad?"

"Miss Merlin has taken him to Tanglewood. The doctor is wanted there."

"I'll send him as soon as ever I can; b