In crossing the creek I slipped through the ice and got my feet wet, my boots being nearly worn out.

I had not gone far when I saw some one sitting by the roadside.

I stopped to see who it was, and discovered the old man, James, and his little boy.

The poor old man was quite worn out.
"I got him to his feet and had him lean on me, and he walked a little distance, but not very far.

I partly dragged, partly carried, him a short distance farther, but he was quite helpless, and my strength failed me.