How 'd she fall ? Where is she ? Why did n't she come right here ? Is it a sunstroke ? '' As fast as words could tumble out of his mouth , Ben answered , and then tried to free himself ; but the old lady held on , while she gave her directions , expressed her sympathy , and offered her hospitality with incoherent warmth . `` Sakes alive ! poor dear ! Fetch her right in . Liddy , get out the camphire ; and , Melissy , you haul down a bed to lay her on . Falls is dretful uncert ` in things ; should n't wonder if her back was broke . Father 's down yender , and he and Bijah will see to her . You go call 'em , and I 'll blow the horn to start 'em up . Tell her we 'd be pleased to see her , and it wo n't make a mite of trouble . '' Ben heard no more , fur as Mrs. Paine turned to take down the tin horn he was up and away . Several long and dismal toots sent Lita galloping through the grassy path as the sound of the trumpet excites a war-horse , and `` father and Bijah , '' alarmed by the signal at that hour , leaned on their rakes to survey with wonder the distracted-looking little horseman approaching like a whirlwind . `` Guess likely grandpa 's had ` nother stroke . Told 'em to send over soon 's ever it come , '' said the farmer , calmly . `` Should n't wonder ef suthing was afire some ` r 's , '' conjectured the hired man , surveying the horizon for a cloud of smoke . Instead of advancing to meet the messenger , both stood like statues in blue overalls and red flannel shirts , till the boy arrived and told his tale . `` Sho , that 's bad , '' said the farmer , anxiously .
`` That brook always was the darndest place , '' added XXXXX ; then both men bestirred themselves helpfully , the former hurrying to Miss Cella while the latter brought up the cart and made a bed of hay to lay her on .
Ben Bijah Father Liddy Lita Melissy fall hour rakes right