"He is In the woods back of the cabin. I will ring the bell, and he will come. Do you know if it is important?"
"Urgent," said the boy; "I rode hard."
Mrs. Comstock stepped to the back door and clanged the dinner bell sharply, paused a second, and rang again. In a short time Ammon and Elnora came down the path on the run.
"Are you ill, mother?" cried Elnora.
Mrs. Comstock indicated the boy. "There is an important message for Philip," she said.
Ammon muttered an excuse and tore open the telegram. His colour faded slightly. "I have to take the first train," he said. "My father is ill and I am needed."
He handed the sheet to Elnora. "I have about two hours, as I remember the trains north, but my things are all over Uncle Doc's house, so I must go at once."
"Certainly," said Elnora, giving back the message. "Is there anything I can do to help? Mother, get Philip a glass of buttermilk to start on. I will gather what you have here."
"Never mind. There is nothing of importance. I don't want to be hampered. I'll send for it if I miss anything I need."
Ammon drank the milk, said good-bye to Mrs. Comstock, repeatedly thanked her for all her kindness, and turned to Elnora.
"Will you walk to the edge of the LImberlost with me?" he asked. Elnora assented. Mrs. Comstock followed to the gate, urged him to come again soon, and repeated
