Two of the men started to obey this order, saying that it might take more than one to manage the horses if they should grow restive again. "That is very true; besides, you can relieve each other in leading the horses. And now one of the others must run directly to the house of the Overseer Gray, and tell him what has happened, and direct him to ride off immediately to Shelton and fetch Dr. Jarvis to Tanglewood." All three of the remaining men started off zealously upon this errand. Meanwhile Sam, the craven coachman, came up with a crestfallen air to the side of the carriage, whimpering: "Miss Claudia, I hope nobody was dangerous hurt?" "Nobody dangerously hurt? Ishmael Worth is killed for aught I know! Keep out of my way, you cowardly villain!" exclaimed Claudia angrily, for you know the heiress was no angel. "'Deed and 'deed, Miss Claudia, I didn't know what I was a-doing of no more than the dead when I jumped out'n the b'rouche! 'Clare to my Marster in heben I didn't!" whined Sam. "Perhaps not; but keep out of my way!" repeated Claudia, with her eyes kindling. . "But please, miss, mayn't I drive you home now?" "What? after nearly breaking my neck, which was saved only at the cost of this poor boy's life, perhaps?" "Please, Miss Claudia, I'll be careful another time--" "Careful of your own life!" "Please, miss, let me drive you home this once." "Not to save your soul!" "But what'll ole Marse say?" cried Sam, in utter dismay. "That is your affair. I advise you to keep out of his way also! Begone from my sight! Go on, men!" finally ordered Miss Merlin. Sam, more ashamed of himself than ever, slunk away. And the fishermen started to lead the horses and carriage towards Tanglewood. Meanwhile the messengers dispatched by Claudia hurried on towards Reuben Gray's cottage. But before they got in sight of the house they came full upon Reuben, who was mounted on his white cob, and riding as if for a wager. "Hey! hallo! stop!" cried the foremost man, throwing up his arms before the horse, which immediately started and shied. "Hush, can't ye! Don't stop me now! I'm in a desp'at hurry! I'm off for the doctor! My wife's taken bad, and may die before I get back!" exclaimed Reuben, with a scared visage, as he tried to pass the messengers. "Going for the doctor! There's just where we were going to send you! Go as fast as you can, and if your wife isn't very bad indeed, send him first of all to Tanglewood, where he is wanted immediately." "Who is ill there?" inquired Reuben anxiously. "Nobody! but your nephew has been knocked down and trampled nearly to death while stopping Miss Merlin's horses that were running away with her." "Ishmael hurt! Good gracious! there's nothing but trouble in this world! Where is the poor lad?" "Miss Merlin has taken him to Tanglewood. The doctor is wanted there."