For an instant the thought came to her that maybe she was only having a dreadful dream, and in a few moments would come the blessed relief of awakening.

But instead came only the sickening realization of the truth, for Joyce, with an imploring gesture, held the letter out to Phil for him to read aloud.
Mrs.Ware had written as bravely as she could, trying not to alarm or distress them unduly, but there could be no disguising or softening one terrible fact.

Jack, strong, sinewy, broad-shouldered Jack, whose strength had been his pride, lay as helpless as a baby, and all the hope the physicians could give was that in a few months he might be able to go about in a wheeled chair.

They had had three surgeons up from Phoenix for a consultation.

A trained nurse was with him at present and they must not worry.