He had bought some supper at a grocery store, and, after spending
an hour there, had set out again on his wanderings. He found the
walking so bad that he made up his mind to apply for a lodging at
a house not far back; but a fierce dog, by his barking, had
deterred him from the application. The road was lonely, and he
had seen no other house since. Finally, exhausted by the effort
of dragging himself through the deep snow, and, stiff with cold,
he sank down by the side of the road, and would doubtless have
frozen had not the doctor made his appearance opportunely.
Mrs. Drayton was alarmed when her husband entered the
sitting-room, bearing Phil's insensible form.
She jumped to her feet in alarm.
"Who is it, Joseph?" she asked.
"A poor Italian boy, whom I found by the side of the road."
"Is he dead?" asked the doctor's wife, quickly.
"I think not. I will restore him if there is any life left in
him."
It was fortunate for Phil that he had been discovered by a
skillful physician, who knew the most effectual means of bringing
him to. The flame of life was burning low, and a little longer
exposure would have closed the earthly career of our young hero.
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