I assured her
of my welfare by my own hand. I should therefore prefer returning. But
perhaps thou hast calls equally pressing?"

"No, I have not," replied Charles. "No one expects me: my family do not
know that I am on my way to them: the matter therefore is decided."

"Not quite," said the Quaker. "The one who remains will have some
painful scenes to go through. Thou art young: canst thou bear them?"

"I will _try_ to bear them," replied Charles. "My heart aches for this
young man, but it will be a comfort to be of service to him. We must
learn his name, and you will call at his house as soon as you arrive,
and inform his family; and some of them had better return in the chaise
with a surgeon; for I suppose there is no medical advice to be had
hereabouts."

"Probably not," replied the Quaker. "It is now nearly six: if we can
procure a chaise without delay, in nine or ten hours hence his friends
may be with him, and thou wilt be in part relieved from thy charge."

"He will be able to command himself," said Charles, "at least, if I may
judge from his presence of mind at the time of the accident; and I shall
therefore know better what to do, than if he were as unmanageable as
that young lady."

"Her agony was so great," replied the Quaker, "that it would make one
think that fear is, for the time, a greater evil than actual pain. Her
sister (for I conclude they are sisters) was quiet enough; but it was
beyond my power to stop her screams. Tell me how thy companion acted,
for, being inside, I do not know."

Charles related how the youth had endeavoured to stop the horses.

"He indeed shewed self-command," said the good man, "and I am afraid he
will have occasion to exercise all his resolution. I have no hope that
that leg can be cured; but I hope his life is not in danger!"

"Can you," said Charles, "give me any directions respecting his
treatment? Is there any thing to be done besides making him as easy as
I can?"

"Nothing, that I am aware of," replied the Quaker. "I think thou wilt
not have much need of thy purse for these few hours, or I would ask thee
whether it is well filled?"

Charles thanked him, and assured him that no assistance of that kind was
wanted.

By this time they had reached the public-house, and the young man was
soon laid on a bed, in a decent though not very quiet apartment. On
enquiry being made, it was found that no chaises were to be had there,
but that a return chaise