You Saved the Wrong One

The news of the accident soon reached the Reist farmhouse. Amanda
telephoned her sympathy to Mrs. Landis and asked if there was anything
she could do.

"Oh, Amanda," came the reply, "I do wish you'd come over! You're such a
comforting person to have around. Did you hear that it was Lyman
Mertzheimer helped to bring him home? Lyman said he and Martin were
walkin' along the road and were so busy talkin' that neither heard the
car and it knocked Martin down. It beats me what them two could have to
talk about so much in earnest that they wouldn't hear the automobile.
But perhaps Lyman wanted to make up with Martin for all the mean tricks
he done to him a'ready. Anyhow, we're glad it ain't worse. He's got a
cut on the head and is pretty much bruised. He'll be stiff for a while
but there ain't no bones broke."

"I'm so glad it isn't worse."

"Yes, ain't, abody still has something to be thankful for? Then you'll
come on over, Amanda?"

"Yes, I'll be over."

As the girl walked down the road she felt a strange mingling of
emotions. She couldn't refuse the plea of Mrs. Landis, but one thing
was certain--she wouldn't see Martin! He'd be up-stairs and she could
stay down. Perhaps she could help with the work in the kitchen--
anything but see Martin!

Mrs. Landis was excited as she drew her visitor into the warm kitchen,
but the excitement was mingled with wrath. "What d'you think, Amanda,"
she exclaimed, "our Mart---"