It was scarcely daylight and no one was yet stirring, or the sight of an Indian carrying a white boy would have excited some curiosity.
The doctor's sleepy assistant, who hastily answered Woodpecker's loud rap on the door, rubbed his eyes and stared, but he had a wholesome awe of such a visitor, and, making up the medicine, delivered it to Jem with unusual speed.
The second Indian had disappeared on the way to the doctor's, and the two strangely-matched companions immediately set out on their return journey through the forest, which was rapidly traversed by Woodpecker, and by four o'clock in the morning he set Jem down on the threshold of his Father's door.
"Will you not stay and see how Mother is?
Father would like to thank you," said Jem.
"Not now," replied Woodpecker, taking with a grave and courteous smile the small hand extended to him, "but say to my good white sister that her Indian brother does not forget kindness and that Woodpecker will return." And as the farmer, roused by the sound of voices, opened the door, the tall figure of the red man disappeared into the forest.

Jem was made happy by finding his Mother better when, after having explained matters to his Father, he was carried in and placed on the bed beside her.

And after they were both recovered he had many a grand day's hunting with the friendly and grateful Indian, who had taken a great liking for the brave little lad, whom he ever afterwards caused his tribe to respect as his English brother Jem..