he room and placed the alligator satchel and the little coat
and hat on the study table. He was careful not to wrinkle the coat,
for this was Polly's birthday gift. Jim and he had planned to have
sandwiches and soda pop on the top of the big wagon when they offered
their treasures tonight; but now the wagons would soon be leaving--and
where was Polly? He turned to ask this question as Mandy came down the
stairs.

"Well, if dar ain't anudder one," she cried.

"Never mind, Mandy," said Douglas, who was just behind her, carrying a
small water pitcher, and searching for a bottle of brandy which had been
placed in the medicine chest for emergencies.

"You can take these upstairs," he told her, when he had filled the
pitcher with water and found the liquor. Mandy looked threateningly at
Toby, then reluctantly went on her way.

Douglas turned to the old man pleasantly. His was the first greeting
that Toby had received, and he at last found voice to ask whether Polly
was badly hurt.

"The doctor hasn't told us yet," said Douglas, kindly.

"I'm her Uncle Toby--not her REAL uncle," the old man explained, "but
that's what she calls me. I couldn't come out right away, because I'm on
in the concert. Could I see her now, please?"

"Here's the doctor," said Douglas, as Hartley came down the stairs,
followed by Jim. "Well, doctor, not bad, I hope?"

"Yes, rather bad," said the doctor, adding quickly, as he saw the
suffering in Toby's face, "but don't be alarmed. She's going to get
well."

"How long will it be before we can have her back--before she can ride
again?" asked Jim gruffly, as he stood apart, twisting his brown, worn
hat in his hands.

"Probably several months," said the doctor. "No bones are broken, but
the ligaments of one ankle are torn, and she received a bad blow on the
head. It will be some time before she recovers consciousness." "What are
we goin' to do, Jim?" asked Toby, helplessly.

"You needn't worry, we'll take good care of her here," said Douglas,
seeing desperation written on their faces.

"Here?" They looked at him incredulously.--And this was a parson!

"Where are her parents?" the doctor asked, looking at Jim and Toby.

"She ain't got no parents 'cept Toby an' me," replied Jim. "We've took
care of her ever since she was a baby."

"Oh, I see," said the doctor. "Well, one of you'd better stay here until
she can be moved."

"That's the trouble; we can't," said Toby, hanging his head. "You see