Aunt Kipp dropped in a heap , Polly looked up at her brother , with a look which he never forgot ; and Toady tried to say , stoutly , `` It 's all right ! '' with lips that were white and dry in spite of himself . `` We shall smash up at the bridge , '' he muttered , as they tore through the town , where every one obligingly shouted , waved their hats , and danced about on the sidewalks , doing nothing but add to Bob 's fright and the party 's danger . But Toady was wrong , -- they did not smash up at the bridge ; for , before they reached the perilous spot , one man had the sense to fly straight at the horse 's head and hold on till the momentary check enabled others to lend a hand . The instant they were safe , Polly , like a regular heroine , threw herself into the arms of her dishevelled preserver , who of course was Van , and would have refreshed herself with hysterics if the sight of Toady had n't steadied her . The boy sat as stiff and rigid as a wooden figure till they took the reins from him ; then all the strength seemed to go out of him , and he leaned against his sister , as white and trembling as she , whispering with an irrepressible sob , -- `` O Polly , was n't it horrid ? Tell mother I stood by you like a man . Do tell her that ! '' If any one had had time or heart to laugh , they certainly would have done it when , after much groping , heaving , and hoisting . Mrs. Kipp was extricated and restored to consciousness ; for a more ludicrously deplorable spectacle was seldom seen . Quite unhurt , though much shaken , the old lady insisted on believing herself to be dying , and kept the town in a ferment till three doctors had pronounced her perfectly well able to go home . Then the perversity of her nature induced her to comply , that she might have the satisfaction of dying on the way , and proving herself in the right . Unfortunately she did not expire , but , having safely arrived , went to bed in high dudgeon , and led Polly and her mother a sad life of it for two weary days . Having heard of Toady 's gallant behavior , she solemnly ordered him up to receive her blessing . But the sight of Aunt Kipp 's rubicund visage , surrounded by the stiff frills of an immense nightcap , caused the irreverent boy to explode with laughter in his handkerchief , and to be hustled away by his mother before Aunt Kipp discovered the true cause of his convulsed appearance . `` Ah ! poor dear , his feelings are too much for him . He sees my doom in my face , and is overcome by what you refuse to believe . I sha n't forget that boy 's devotion . Now leave me to the meditations befitting these solemn hours . ''
Mrs. Snow retired , and Aunt XXXXX tried to sleep ; but the murmur of voices , and the sound of stifled laughter in the next room disturbed her repose .
Bob Kipp days dudgeon hours hysterics nightcap perversity preserver right