The Black Jacket Mystery

always practical.
    “Okay, but let’s hurry!”
    When they caught up with the boys at the junction of one of the trails and a narrow path, the three were grouped around the unconscious figure of Mr. Maypenny in the light of two flashlights.
    The girls dismounted and tied their horses beside the boys’ three. They were almost afraid to go look, but after a moment’s hesitation, Trixie took Honey’s hand, and they hurried over together.
    Brian, his face grave, was kneeling beside Mr. Maypenny, carefully examining the gamekeeper’s scalp. Jim and Mart crouched close by.
    “He’ll need some stitches,” Brian said softly, “but there doesn’t seem to be a concussion. Let’s get him to the house where we can make him comfortable till a doctor can get there.”
    The old man groaned and opened his eyes. “Never mind—a doctor—” he whispered. “I’m a tough old nut, and my head’s the same!” And he even grinned bravely as he struggled to rise to a sitting position.
    “Better just lie quiet, and we’ll make you a litter, sir,” Brian advised.
    “Nonsense!” Mr. Maypenny was getting stronger by the minute. He sat up, gingerly feeling the wound, but reassured by touch that it wasn’t too serious. “I’ve had a worse bump from falling off old Brownie.” He squinted up at the birch tree, with its snow-laden branches, that towered over them. “Dratted tree!”
    Against their better judgment, the boys helped him to his feet and started up the trail toward his cabin, one on each side. Mart and the girls followed silently.
    “Stubborn old coot!” Mart whispered as they came in sight of the cabin. “How does he know he doesn’t have a broken skull?”
    But Trixie shushed him abruptly. “Some people know when they’re ‘cracked,’” she told him with an impish grin, “and others don’t!”
    Honey was staring at the house, where the lights seemed to be on not only in the kitchen but in the bedroom and the living room and even in the low-roofed attic, where a single electric light shone out onto the snow through a tiny square window above the rear door. “Goodness!” she exclaimed. “I wonder why Dan’s got every light in the house on!”
    “Maybe he came home and found Mr. Maypenny gone, and he’s looking around there for him!” Trixie suggested.
    The tall boys helped the owner of the house up to the front door, and Jim tried the doorknob. The lock was on.
    “Hey, Dan! Open up! Mr. Maypenny’s been hurt!” Brian called.
    They heard the high-heeled boots cross the floor, and a moment later the door was flung open to silhouette Dan Mangan.
    “A tree branch fell on him. It’s just a cut, I think,” Brian explained hastily, “but I’d better take a couple of stitches.” He helped Mr. Maypenny up the single step.
    Dan stood barring the door. He took Mr. Maypenny’s arm and drew him in. “I’ll take care of him. I know how. Thanks for your help,” he said brusquely, “but you can go now!”
     

A New Mystery ● 15
     
    FOR A MOMENT Jim and Brian were too astounded to speak. Dan's unfriendly manner and his sharp words were a shock. They stood staring at him as he held Mr. Maypenny’s arm and started to reach for the door with his other hand, to close it on them.
    “Just a minute, bud,” Brian said grimly. He stuck his heavy boot over the threshold, so the door wouldn’t close, and pushed forward. “I’m not sure you know how to take care of Mr. Maypenny, and we’re not going to take any chances on it.”
    “Get out, all of you!” Dan’s face was white and drawn, and his dark eyes flashed in anger. “We don’t need your help!” But as he spoke, the old man sagged against him, and Dan was nearly borne down by his weight.
    Without any further argument, Brian nodded to Jim, and together they lifted Mr. Maypenny and carried him across the room to the bunk against the wall. They let him down gently, and Brian started to remove the old man s coat with Jim’s help.
    Dan came and stood over them angrily. “Let him alone and get out of here, I said! We don’t need you.
    “Just keep out of the way!” Brian told him sharply, brushing him aside. “Trixie, get into the kitchen and start some water boiling. We’ll have to find bandages, too. I’m sure he has some around somewhere.”
    “Okay, Doc!” Trixie threw him a fleeting grin and hurried out to the kitchen. In a minute, the sound of the electric pump told them she was obeying orders.
    “There’s a first-aid kit