She did not dare to open the door for fear that the robbers might
return, but clambering in at the window, made all secure as had
been customary, for now it was her impulse to do just as her
father would have done.
She found her mother on her knees beside her father, who would
indeed have been a ghastly and awful object to all but the eyes of
love.
"Oh, Phebe, I hope--I almost believe thy father lives!" cried the
woman. "Is it my throbbing palm, or does his heart still beat?"
"I'm sure it beats, mother!" cried the girl, putting her little
hand on the gashed and mangled body.
"Oh, then there's hope! Here, Abner," to the boy, "isn't there any
man in thee? Help Phebe get him on the bed, and then we must stop
this awful bleeding. Oh, that I were well and strong! Phebe, thee
must now take my place. Thee may save thy father's life. I can
tell thee what to do if thee has the courage."
Phebe had the courage and with deft hands did her mother's
bidding. She stanched the many gaping wounds; she gave spirits at
first drop by drop, until at last the man breathed and was
conscious.
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