Then Dick drove to the medical man's house.
Dr.Haynes came downstairs at the first ring of the door bell, helping the boys to bring the still unconscious peddler inside.
There, under a strong light, with the peddler stretched on an operating table, the physician looked Reuben Hinman over.
"I can't find evidence of any bones being broken," said the physician.
"It's my opinion that shock and exhaustion have done their work.
Reuben is a very hard-working old man." "Then you know him ?" Dick asked.
"Everyone in this part of the country knows Reuben," replied the doctor.

"He's one of our characters." "He must have a hard life of it, and make rather a poor living," Prescott suggested.
"I guess he would make a good enough living, if-----" began the physician, then checked himself.
"Are you going to bring the man to consciousness, doctor ?" asked Dave.
"Yes; after I get a few things ready.

I don't believe we'll have much trouble with him, though we'll have to get Reuben home and make him rest for a few days." "Where does he live ?" Dick inquired.
"In Fenton.

Reuben has a queer little old home of his own there." "Has he a wife ?" Dick asked.
"She died fifteen years ago." "Are there any children to look after Mr.Hinman ?" Darry asked.
"He has children, but---well, they don't live with him," replied Dr.Haynes, as though not caring to discuss the subject.
Then the physician went to work over the peddler, who presently opened his eyes.
"Drink some of this," ordered the physician.

"Now, you begin to feel better, don't you, Reuben ?" "Yes; and I've got to get up right away and see what I can do about getting back my money," cried the peddler.
"Don't try to get up just yet," ordered Dr.Haynes.
"If your money is worrying you, Mr.Hinman, I have it," Dick broke in, showing the sack.
A cry of joy escaped the peddler.