On arriving there, they dismounted and unsaddled their horses, and turned them into a paddock close to the house, to feed.
Reuben and Mr.Barker then went up to the house.

The constable who had been left behind came out.
"Well, Wilkins, how is Mr.Donald, and how are the ladies ?" "He is sensible now, sir; but I don't think there's much chance for him." "We ought to get a surgeon, at once," Reuben said.
"Who is the nearest, Mr.Barker ?" "The nearest is Ruskin." "Is there no one nearer than that ?" Reuben asked.

"Why, he lives about halfway between where I was sleeping last night, and my own place.

It must be seventy miles away." "He's the nearest," Mr.Barker said; "take my word for it." "I'll tell you what will be the best plan," Reuben's host of the night before said.

"I will ride at once to Mr.Barker's and, if he will let me get a fresh horse there, I will gallop straight back to my place, and will send a man off the moment I arrive there to fetch Ruskin.
"It is only eight o'clock now.