362 'GOD'S PEACE'
I looked up, at a little distance stood three or four workmen gazing at us with pitiful eyes. They came quietly forward to help. One of them said : ' We have sent a message for the doctor.'
We carried her in and the doctor came.
This evening her condition is unaltered. She lies unconscious. The wing struck her on the right side of the head. There is only a scratch and a small swelling to be seen ; but the doctor fears either concussion of the brain or a fracture.
My fear as to the cause of the accident has proved to be true. Greta's father had wished to let the mill work once more before it was stilled for ever. At his secret visits he had made sure that the machinery was in order. Early this morn- ing he went over to the mill, and was most likely inside, when Greta came. Owing to the noise of the strong wind she has not heard him moving about, or going out on the opposite side. Then he pulled the beam, and in the same moment the wind moved the wings and the accident happened.
So much I have been able to gather from the few words he has said. Most of the time he sits in mute despair. It is pitiful to see him — almost more painful than to be at Greta's quiet bedside. But when the workmen came and asked if they should start the work of demolition he let them go awa}'. He would send for them when he needed them, he said.
