Page:Stanwood Pier--Harding of St Timothys.djvu/123

Rh to draw off the shoe. Rupert closed his eyes and set his teeth with a groan. Andrews raised his head and shoulders upon a pillow of sweaters.

"Never mind, old man," he murmured, and while Rupert lay with the perspiration oozing on his white forehead, Doctor Vincent drew off the shoe.

Herrick watched the doctor gently roll down the boy's stocking. He saw the unnaturally twisted ankle, and heard Doctor Vincent say, "I'm afraid it's broken, Rupert;" and then a sudden faintness assailed him.

He walked away from the group, and kneeling on the ground, pretended to tie a shoe-string, hanging his head low until the blood had run into it and revived him. When he looked up, they were carrying Rupert from the field.

Harry Harding came up to Herrick soberly. "How did it happen, Joe?" he asked.

"I don't know," said Herrick.

"What awfully hard luck for Rupert!" Harry murmured. "Captain of the school team