Part 19 (1/2)

”That must have been where you were thrown, striking on your head, received the injury that caused your mind to become a blank,” Elmer told him; while Doctor Ted nodded vigorously as though seconding the motion.

”But I'm in a terrible position, with only these thin clothes on, and no shoes or socks on my feet,” remarked the man, who, now that he had returned to his senses, could apparently feel the sting of the cold air, something that doubtless he may not have been sensitive to before.

”Perhaps we can fix you up with something to tide over,” Chatz told him.

”Here's Lil Artha, whose feet must be the same size as yours, and I happen to know he brought a pair of new extra moccasins along, which he hasn't worn yet.”

First one, and then another proposed lending Ralph certain garments, until in the end he was well taken care of. He even sat with them, propped up in a comfortable seat, and ate the dinner the scouts prepared, asking dozens of eager questions, many of which they were not able to answer, because they concerned his people, and none of the scouts happened to know them.

”I'm going to make a proposition to you, fellows,” said Elmer, when they had finished their meal; ”and here it is. You know Stackhouse is about eleven miles away from here, though twice that far from Hickory Ridge.

My map shows a fairly decent road leading there. Suppose we pull up stakes and start for Mr. Oxley's home? We could make it before sunset, I should think. It's true that our camping trip would be cut short a day, but I'm sure I voice the sentiments of every fellow that we'll feel mighty well repaid for any little sacrifice like that when we turn in to the Oxley place and bring back their lost son, not what he was when he ran away, but clothed in his right mind. Everybody in favor of that move say aye!”

A chorus answered him in the affirmative; why, even that hardened objector, Doubting George, shouted with the rest; for once having apparently chosen to be what Toby called ”civilized.”

Ralph Oxley had tears in his eyes as he insisted on shaking hands with every one of the scouts.

”You're a fine lot of boys, let me tell you!” he declared, with deep feeling; ”and I wouldn't accept your sacrifice only for my mother's sake. They ought to know the happy news as soon as possible. Every minute that I'm delayed is just so much more suffering for my dear parents; and a sweet girl too that I was going to marry when that accident came about. But I'll never forget it, fellows; and you'll hear from the Oxley family later on.”

”Not a word about any money reward, suh!” cried Chatz, sternly; ”we're scouts, and we'd scorn to accept anything in the way of pay for doing a thing like this. It's given us a heap more pleasure than anything that's happened for many moons, believe me, suh!”

”And to think,” added Toby, with a beaming smile on his face, ”my remarkable parachute came near holding up double weight. I really believe if only Mr. Oxley here hadn't managed to strike his head on that cornice when he fell, both of us would have landed without a scratch.

And let me tell you that I think it's already shown what a life-saver it's bound to be.”