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 will be most interesting," responded John. "His case interests me much!"

"Oh, John!" breathed Mehitable in a horrified tone. "Interesting!"

Young Doctor Condit glanced at her mirthfully. "Art not going to help us, Mitty," he teased. "Nay, I shall expect ye to help"

But here Mehitable, with a little shriek of dismay, escaped his futile clutch at her plump arm and in a fit of shuddering, half pretense, half real, ran after Charity into the yard. Soon the kitchen was empty once more, the Squire and Amos tramping off to the fields, Doctor Carter returning to his patient; and then, placing various utensils upon the fire, Mistress Condit watched her son furtively as he sat, lost in grim musing, beside her upon the settle. At last she could bear it no longer, and though she well knew what troubled him, she spoke.

"How now, my boy? What be the matter." Her tone was affectionate.

"I was thinking. Mother. Hast heard no word from Nancy?"

Mistress Condit's cheerful face fell. "Nay, no word at all, my son," she answered gently.

There was a brief silence, then, Doctor Carter entering at that moment, John turned to him, brightening.

"How is your patient now. Doctor?"

The other shook his head. "Still senseless," he answered. Tis hardly to be wondered at, for, in truth, the fellow must have struck his head with terrific force. 'Tis most fortunate I brought my kit with me,