"Had they sent for a surgeon?"
"No, but they had sent for a bone-setter, who would be there in a
minute."
The old farmer explained that it would be two hours at the least
before a surgeon could be fetched from Kenminster, while Higg, the
blacksmith, who lived close at hand, was better for man and beast
than any surgeon he had known, and his son had instantly set out to
fetch him. As the mother doubtfully asked of his fitness, instances
were quoted of his success. The family had a "gift," inherited and
kept up from time immemorial, and the farmer's wife declared that he
was as tender as possible; she had seen him operate on a neighbour's
child, and should not be afraid to trust him with one of her own.
The man's voice was heard; they went out to speak to him, and
Caroline was left with her boy.
"What do you think, Ali, my dear, she said, kneeling by him, "I have
often heard dear papa speak of the wonderful instinct of those bone-
setting families."
"I'd have nothing to do with a humbugging quack," put in Bobus.
"He may humbug as much as he likes, if he'll only get me out of this
pain," said poor Allen.
"He will only make it ever so much worse, and then you'll have to
have it done over again," croaked Bobus.
"That is not the way to talk of it, Bobus," said his mother.
Pages:
178
179
180
181
182
183
184
185
186
187
188
189
190
191
192
193
194
195
196
197
198
199
200
201
202