Part 4 (1/2)
CHAPTER IV.
AT THE HOSPITAL.
On a neat bed, at the Bellevue Hospital, old Jacob was stretched out.
He had been in considerable pain, but opiates had been administered, and he was in an uneasy slumber.
Tom presented himself at the office below as soon as he could after hearing of the accident.
”Is he much hurt? Is he in danger?” he asked, anxiously, for Jacob was nearer to him than any one else.
”He is now sleeping, and must not be disturbed. Come tomorrow, and we can tell you more,” was the reply.
”You can tell me if he was much hurt.”
”One leg is broken, but we cannot yet tell whether he has received any internal injury. All depends upon that.”
Tom presented himself the next day. This time the physician looked grave.
”We have reason to think that he is injured internally. His life is uncertain.”
”Poor Jacob!” murmured Tom, moved by pity for the old man.
”Is he your grandfather?” asked the physician.
”No; but I have lived with him for some years. Can I see him?”
”Yes.”
Tom followed the doctor into a long hall lined with beds. About midway, on the left hand side, he recognized the form of his old companion.
”I am sorry to see you here, Jacob,” said Tom, gently.
”I'm almost dead,” said the old man, peevishly. ”The man drove over me on purpose.”
”I hope not.”
”I tell you he did!” said Jacob, irritably.
”Well, Jacob, it can't be helped. You must try to get well.”
”I'm an old man. I'm afraid I shall never get well again,” and he looked eagerly into Tom's face.
Having heard what he did from the doctor, Tom was placed in an awkward position. He was too honest to give false hopes, and he remained silent.
”What did the doctor tell you?” demanded Jacob, suspiciously.
”He said he could not tell whether you would get well or not.”
”He thought I was going to die?” said the old man, nervously.