e horse, and I
tell you what I'm in favor of doin'. There's nobody up yit, and I
don't want to stay here and make no explanations to that old woman. I
don't fancy gittin' into rows on Christmas mornin'. We've done all the
good we can here, and the best thing we can do now is to git away
before anybody is up, and leave a note sayin' that we've got to go on
without losin' time, and that we will send another doctor as soon as
possible. My sister's doctor don't live fur away from her, and I know
she will be willin' to send for him. Then our duty will be done, and
what the old woman thinks of us won't make no, difference to nobody."

"That plan suits me," said I, rising. "I don't want to stay here, and
as I am not to be allowed to see the patient, there is no reason why I
should stay. What we have done will more than pay for our supper and
lodgings, so that our consciences are clear."

"But you must write a note," said Uncle Beamish. "Got any paper?"

I tore a leaf from my note-book, and went to the window, where it was
barely light enough for me to see how to write.

"Make it short," said the old man. "I'm awful fidgety to git off."

I made it very short, and then, valises in hand, we quietly took our
way to the kitchen.

"How this floor does creak!" said Uncle Beamish. "Git on your overcoat
and shoes as quick as you can, and we'll leave the note on this table."

I had just shaken myself into my overcoat when Uncle Beamish gave a
subdued exclamation, and quickly turning, I saw entering the kitchen a
female figure in winter wraps and carrying a hand-bag.

"By George!" whispered the old man, "it's the patient!"

The figure advanced directly toward me.

"Oh, Dr. Glover!" she whispered, "I am so glad to get down before you
went away!"

I stared in amazement at the speaker, but even in the dim light I
recognized her. This was the human being whose expected presence at
the Collingwood mansion was taking me there to spend Christmas.

"Kitty!" I exclaimed--"Miss Burroughs, I mean,--what is the meaning of
this?"

"Don't ask me for any meanings now," she said. "I want you and your
uncle to take me to the Collingwoods'. I suppose you are on your way
there, for they wrote you were coming. And oh! let us be quick, for
I'm afraid Jane will come down, and she will be sure to wake up aunty.
I saw one of you go out to the barn, and knew you intended to leave, so
I got ready just as fast as I could. But I must