ell in with somebody carrying a
gun--which was very likely to happen, seeing I have met a great many
myself; but I never fell _out_ with any of them yet--perhaps my time
will come.--This fellow however, let off his gun in the wrong place and
some of the shot hit Mr. Linden in the arm, and before he could get to
Mr. Simlins, where I found him, he was a little faint. So I commanded
him to stay where he was till morning. That's all. He's perfectly well,
I give you my word. I came now on purpose to relieve you from anxiety.
He wanted to come down with me, but I wouldn't let him."

"Why didn't you let him?" said Mrs. Derrick.

"Well, I came near letting him," said the doctor,--"for I didn't know
at one time that I could help it. It wouldn't have hurt him seriously.
But he'll see you with more pleasure to-morrow."

"I can't think how you made out to hinder him at all!" said Mrs.
Derrick, looking a little puzzled. "But I'm much obliged to you,
doctor, for coming."

"Is he such a difficult person to deal with?" said the doctor, glancing
at the different doors of the room.

"I never tried," said Mrs. Derrick with very simple truth.

"I must try, some time," said the doctor abstractedly:--"I like to deal
with difficult people.--But I remember you remarked it was late!--" And
he started up and was about to take his leave; when his purpose met
with an interruption. For the swift trot of a horse upon the road came
to as quick a pause at Mrs. Derrick's gate, and Reuben Taylor came up
the steps and in at the open front door before Dr. Harrison had
finished his compliments.

"I see!" said the doctor,--"you don't keep open doors for nothing, Mrs.
Derrick. Here's another. You're not riding after me, my friend, are
you? You don't let the grass grow!"

"No sir," said Reuben. "Good evening, Mrs. Derrick--may I go up to Mr.
Linden's room?"

"How is he now, Reuben?" said Mrs. Derrick. "O yes, you can go up, of
course."

"Thank you, ma'am--he said he was more comfortable when I came away."
And with an almost imperceptible glance round the room he was in,
Reuben turned and bounded lightly up the staircase. But all was dark
there and in Mr. Linden's room. Reuben could not execute his commission
so; and was turning to come down stairs again, when he encountered in
the dim entry-way a white figure.

"How _is_ Mr. Linden, Reuben?" said a voice which he knew, though it
was in a very low key.

"Miss Faith!" Reuben said with a little s