Moreover, the earth, still damp from the rain of the day before, would have preserved the least vestige.
The result of all this was, that the magistrates only got for their trouble a new legend added to so many others--a legend which would be perpetuated by the remembrance of the catastrophe of the MOTALA, and indisputably confirm the truth of the apparition of the Fire-Maidens.
A hearty fellow like Jack Ryan, with so strong a constitution, could not be long confined to his bed.

A few sprains and bruises were not quite enough to keep him on his back longer than he liked.

He had not time to be ill.
Jack, therefore, soon got well.

As soon as he was on his legs again, before resuming his work on the farm, he wished to go and visit his friend Harry, and learn why he had not come to the Irvine merry-making.
He could not understand his absence, for Harry was not a man who would willingly promise and not perform.

It was unlikely, too, that the son of the old overman had not heard of the wreck of the MOTALA, as it was in all the papers.