Beadle's Dime Novels No. 35: East and West — page 26: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

26 THE BEAUTY OF WILLARD’S MILL. tresses were combed back straight from the weather-browned temples, and no attempt at coiffure relieved the sharp outline of the delicate nose and chin. Nor did the short and narrow dress add any grace to the tall, spare figure, now slightly bent, and decidedly angular. For a time Constance was so absorbed in making these observations, and in reflecting to what small compass the necessities of life could be narrowed down, that she had for- gotten to wonder what had become of the young cousin whose small, cold fingers had been clasped for an instant only in her own, and who had mysteriously disappeared immediately after- ward. She was about making inquiry concerning her, when the cabin-door was hastily thrown open and Nat Arnold ap- peared, assisted by one of the other hands, bearing the insensi- ble form of Fletcher Harris between them. “ Here—lay him down right here on Minnie’s bed,” cried Mr. Willard, who followed close behind. “ Zara, we must see what we can do—I'm afraid we've got a dead man here.” “Oh! whatis the matter? Fletcher! Fletcher !” exclaimed Constance, terrified by the sight of the pale face and blood- clotted hair of the young man. “Uncle, how did it happen ?” “He got hurt in the mill,” was the brief reply. “ We ought to have a doctor. Nat, saddle a horse—you'll have to take his horse, for mine are not up—and ride to the grove as if the devil was after you. Get Dr. Parker if you can; and if he’s not at home, any body you can find. Tell ’em to hurry; but you'd better not come right back, but rest your horse, and in- quire at the post-office for letters. Be quick, boy !” These hurried orders were as hurriedly executed. It was four good miles to the Grove, though ; and yet, in spite of the combined efforts ofthe family, the patient had given no signs of consciousness when Dr. Parker arrived, late in the afternoon. “ Severe concussion of the brain,” said the doctor; “ how did it happen ?” “The belt of a grindstone broke, and the stone, which was running very fast and was very warm, burst all to pieces and flew in every direction.” “T always have looked for an accident from that grind- stone,” said Mrs. Willard. “I wish the boys could be content comlclbooks.com