PART 4
Nick ran behind Dan who was directing the way to the dead tree. Between puffs of breath, Nick shouted to the other boys to follow him. The search party increased in number as boys joined up along the way.
"What makes you think...Nan...would come here?" Dan gasped. "I didn't...tell her...to climb the tree."
"She heard you...when you offered a challenge," huffed Nick. "You know Nan...never one to pass up a chance...to prove herself."
The tree came into view, and at the base, behind some tall grass, lay what looked like a bundle of orange cloth. Everyone recognized the color of Nan's favorite dress.
Nick reached Nan first. She lay still, surrounded by fragments of branches. A large bird's nest lay a couple of yards to her right.
"She's knocked out cold," Nick yelled. "Someone tell Asia to get Doc Pierce!"
Nat was the first to reach the house. It so happened that Jo was just coming up the lane, riding Penny at full gallop.
"Mrs. Jo!" screamed Nat, waving his arms. "Nan's in the woods. She's hurt! We need Dr. Pierce."
Jo's face paled. She did not hesitate to ask details, but instinctively turned Penny around and raced back to Concord.
Nat was out of breath when he returned to Nick. The boys had clustered around Nan, whose eyes were still closed. "Mrs. Jo is getting the doctor," he panted.
"Then let's all carry her home," suggested Dan.
"No! Don't even touch her," warned Nick. "Once, on a merchant ship, this fellow was workin' on the mainsail and fell and hit the deck. Was in real bad shape. We'd better let the doctor handle this."
Jo and Dr. Pierce arrived within the hour. A scattering of stars had begun to sparkle in the violet sky. The physician knelt down and examined Nan, frowning as he felt for broken bones. He ran both hands gently along her neck, then checked her pulse.
The boys, who had now become medical interns, held the lanterns and listened attentively to Dr. Pierce's orders. They were to retrieve two poles, some pillows and heavy blankets to improvise a homemade stretcher.
The young assistants returned in good time. Dr. Pierce gingerly slid the thick blanket under the unconscious Nan. The edges of the blanket were folded over the poles and held in place by the clenched hands of the volunteers. Pillows were tucked on each side of her neck to keep her head immobile.
The entourage solemnly proceeded toward the house. Jo could not help but notice how they resembled pallbearers, and she, as well as many of the boys, did all they could to hold back tears.
Asia was waiting at bedside with clean sheets and blankets in place. The boys tenderly lowered Nan onto her mattress. Jo fetched clean linens and cold water while Bess carefully removed Nan's shoes. Finally, Asia slid the covers up to the chin of the motionless girl.
Quietly waving everyone out of the room, Dr. Pierce softly shut the door with a click that echoed through the silent house.
PART 5
