Page:Stanwood Pier--Harding of St Timothys.djvu/129

Rh his own unhappiness; and he looked up at the lonely figure with a wondering interest, trying from the boy's face to fathom the truth.

Herrick started toward the athletic house, into which Rupert had been carried. But as he approached, an open carriage, drawn by two horses, came spinning down the road and stopped in front of the door. Herrick and some other boys ran forward and stood by while Rupert, wrapped in blankets, was borne out and placed gently on the cushions.

He looked pale, but he smiled and waved a hand at the group of his friends, who responded with a feeble cheer and cries of "Good luck, Rupe!" "You're all right!" Doctor Vincent got in beside him and the carriage drove away.

Herrick had said nothing and had not joined in the cheer. He walked with lagging steps back to the football field. About him boys were deploring the hard luck that had befallen Rupert and the school. With a broken leg he could never get round for the game with St. John's; and what was the