In the meantime Miss Madison, surmising that something serious was the matter, had left the canoe drawn up upon the bank, and had herself climbed up to the top. She reached it soon after the train had passed and found her brother bending over the still form of the boy, who lay by the side of the railroad. “Who do you suppose it is, Margaret?” said he. “We had better take him to the Starrs’. It is the nearest house.” “It may be Peter Starr, Roger!” exclaimed Miss Madison. “I shouldn’t wonder at all if it were, and he looks something like them, as well as I can see in this light. He has a dog, you know.” “He has one no longer, then,” said Roger, briefly. “The dog is dead.” “Roger, how terrible! What will the poor boy say? But I had better run before and prepare them. Roger, are you sure the boy is alive?” But even as she spoke, the lad stirred slightly and opened his eyes. “Sirius,” he murmured faintly; “come here, sir!” Then he lost consciousness again. “It is Peter Starr,” said Margaret. “The dog’s name was Sirius. Follow slowly, Roger. You must give me time to prepare them.” She ran through the woods which bordered on the river bank, and then emerging upon the open lawn, she hastened towards the house. Apparently the family were at supper, for no one was to be seen. Miss Madison opened the front door without ceremony, and greatly to the astonishment of the Starrs—including Mrs. Ward—appeared at the door of the dining-room. “Is your brother at home?” she asked breathlessly. Though she tried to speak calmly, it was easy to see that something was the matter. “No,” said Honor, “we were just wondering—Miss Madison, what is it?” She pushed back her chair and rose to her feet, as did also Katherine and Victoria. A certainty that something serious had taken place filled the hearts of all. “What is it?” said they together. “Don’t look so frightened,” said Miss Madison. “He isn’t dead; he is only hurt a little, and Roger is bringing him. We found him. See; they are coming now.” They looked across the lawn, and saw Roger Madison moving towards the house with a burden in his arms. Could it be Peter? Madison, who was tall and very strong, carried him as easily as he would have carried a child of five, although Peter was tall for his age and was no light weight. “Some one get a bed ready for him,” said Margaret, “and send at once for a doctor. In the meantime I will help you. I know a little about surgery.” Honor and Katherine had run to meet their brother, but Victoria was ready to do what she was told. “Aunt Sophia, please send Dave Carney for the doctor,” said she. “He is in the kitchen, I think. I will go upstairs.” “And I will go with you,” said Miss Madison. * * * * *