Then , having done all we can , we will either laugh at our scare -- if it is one -- or be ready for whatever comes . Now for my poor boy . ' Armed with the red-hot poker , a pitcher of ice-water , and several handkerchiefs from the clotheshorse , Nan went back to the barn ready to do her best in this her most serious 'em ergency case ' . The boys sat like statues , one of despair , the other of resignation ; and it took all Nan 's boasted nerve to do her work quickly and well . ` Now , Rob , only a minute , then we are safe . Stand by , Ted ; he may be a bit faintish . ' Rob shut his eyes , clinched his hands , and sat like a hero . Ted knelt beside him , white as a sheet , and as weak as a girl ; for the pangs of remorse were rending him , and his heart failed at the thought of all this pain because of his wilfulness . It was all over in a moment , with only one little groan ; but when Nan looked to her assistant to hand the water , poor Ted needed it the most , for he had fainted away , and lay on the floor in a pathetic heap of arms and legs . Rob laughed , and , cheered by that unexpected sound , Nan bound up the wound with hands that never trembled , though great drops stood on her forehead ; and she shared the water with patient number one before she turned to patient number two . Ted was much ashamed , and quite broken in spirit , when he found how he had failed at the critical moment , and begged them not to tell , as he really could not help it ; then by way of finishing his utter humiliation , a burst of hysterical tears disgraced his manly soul , and did him a world of good . ` Never mind , never mind , we are all right now , and no one need be the wiser , ' said Nan briskly , as poor Ted hiccoughed on Rob 's shoulder , laughing and crying in the most tempestuous manner , while his brother soothed him , and the young doctor fanned both with Silas 's old straw hat . ` Now , boys , listen to me and remember what I say . We wo n't alarm anyone yet , for I 've made up my mind our scare is all nonsense . Don was out lapping the water as I came by , and I do n't believe he 's mad any more than I am . Still , to ease our minds and compose our spirits , and get our guilty faces out of sight for a while , I think we had better drive into town to my old friend Dr Morrison , and let him just take a look at my work , and give us some quieting little dose ; for we are all rather shaken by this flurry . Sit still , Rob ; and Ted , you harness up while I run and get my hat and tell Aunty to excuse me to Daisy . I do n't know those Penniman girls , and she will be glad of our room at tea , and we 'll have a cosy bite at my house , and come home as gay as larks . ' Nan talked on as a vent for the hidden emotions which professional pride would not allow her to show , and the boys approved her plan at once ; for action is always easier than quiet waiting . Ted went staggering away to wash his face at the pump , and rub some colour into his cheeks before he harnessed the horse .
Rob XXXXX tranquilly on the hay , looking up at the swallows again as he lived through some very memorable moments .
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