The fact that he is some two years older, as you say, and ever so much stronger and bigger, is in itself a proof that you were not likely to have wantonly provoked a fight with him.

I shall ask the doctor if there is anything in the way of food and comforts I can send up for him." Accordingly, the next morning, the first thing after breakfast, Captain Sankey went out and called upon the doctor.

Ned awaited his return anxiously.
"The doctor says it's a bad fracture, Ned, a very bad fracture, and the boy must have had his leg curiously twisted under him for the bone to have snapped in such a way.

He questions whether it will be possible to save the leg; indeed, he would have taken it off last night, but the boy said he would rather die, and the men were all against it.

By the help of half a dozen men he got the bones into their places again, and has bandaged the leg up with splints; but he is very doubtful what will come of it." Ned was crying now.
"I would give anything if it hadn't happened, father, and he really seemed a nice fellow.