But when the poor animal was freed from the harness, and with as much care as possible removed from the body of its master, a much harder task remained.

Clarkson was frightfully hurt--how, they could hardly tell, but it seemed as if his head and arms were all that had escaped.

The rest of his body appeared to be dead; he had not the smallest power to move, and yet there was no outward wound, and his voice was as strong as ever.

They raised him with the greatest gentleness and care, and bringing up the bottom of the broken sleigh, laid his helpless limbs on it compassionately, and carried him back to the tavern, paying no heed to the flood of curses which he constantly poured out.
When they reached the tavern, they found the doctor already there, and, going out of the house, they waited till he should have made his examination and be able to tell them its result.

After some time he came, closing the door behind him and looking very grave.
"What's wrong with him, sir ?" one of the men asked.
"Everything.