tion, and he was interested; but he started at every little
noise, and to say the truth, Charles was little less nervous than
himself. At length, almost before they could reasonably expect it, they
distinctly heard a chaise drive up.

"O, go, go!" cried Monteath. "Go and bring them to me!"

"Not yet," said Charles, firmly. "I will go to them, but they must not
see you till I can tell them that you are more calm. Compose yourself,
and remember that the best comfort you can give them is to see you
tranquil. I will tell them that you have slept, and in a few minutes
you shall see them; in the mean time compose yourself."

Charles went down stairs, and the first meeting with Mr and Mrs
Monteath was very painful. He was glad, however, to give them some
comfort, and he spoke as cheerfully as he could of the night which his
friend had passed. Presently he conducted them to their son's chamber,
and left them at the door. Mr Everett enquired the particulars of the
accident, and the extent of the injury, as far as Charles could judge of
it. He shook his head, when he had heard the particulars, and said he
feared there was no help for it, but that the leg must be amputated.

"Thinking this would be necessary," he said, "I brought an assistant
with me; and I am glad I did, for delay would be dangerous; and I
suppose there is no surgeon near. Is your friend prepared for it?"

"Perfectly," replied Charles: "and he thinks the sooner it is done, the
better. How soon will it be, Sir?"

"Directly, if it has to be done," replied Mr Everett, "but you know I
have not seen him yet, and therefore cannot be sure that it will be
necessary."

Mr and Mrs Monteath came down presently, and told Mr Everett that
their son wished to see him. Before he went, he told them that he
should recommend their trying to get some rest.

"Now that your son has seen you, he will sleep again," said he, "and I
wish to remain alone with him for two or three hours. He will not rest
if you are beside him, so you must trust him with me, and our young
friend will bring you news of him from time to time."

The father and mother were obliged to consent: they retired, and Charles
took his station in the next room to his friend. In a few minutes Mr
Everett's assistant came out of the chamber, and soon after returned
with a servant, and there were signs of preparation which were sickening
to poor Charles. He made a great effort to forget himself, howev