Archard; papa is _very_
ill, I am afraid. Oh, be quick, _quick!_"
"Great Scott!" exclaimed Fee. I knew by his voice that he was awfully
frightened. Then suddenly he slid down in a sitting position on one of
the steps. I thought he must have stumbled; but before I could say
anything, or even get to him, he called out, "All right, Nan! nurse will
be there in a minute," adding impatiently to me: "What are you gaping
at? Get on your hat--it's on the hat rack--and rush for Dr. Archard as
fast as you can. Tell him father's very ill, and to come at _once_. Step
lively, Jack!"
"But nurse--" I hesitated. "Shall I tell her first?"
"Do as you've been told," Fee said sharply. "I'll see to that; do you
suppose I'm _utterly_ useless? _Start!_" He gave me a little push on the
shoulder as he spoke, and I tell you I just flew down those steps and
out into the street.
I ran every step of the way, and caught Dr. Archard just as he was
stepping into his carriage to go somewhere. He looked very serious when
he heard my message. "I'm not surprised," he said; "I've been expecting
a break-down in that quarter for some time." Then he made me jump into
the carriage with him, and we drove rapidly round to the house.
Pages:
154
155
156
157
158
159
160
161
162
163
164
165
166
167
168
169
170
171
172
173
174
175
176
177
178