“Yes, indeed, ma’am,” said Joe; “and if Nep hadn’t barked so, the drefful cretur would have bitten me sure.  That dog knows a heap; you’d better allus take him with you in the woods, Miss Rachel.  I was lyin’ off sound asleep, with this critter close beside me, when Nep come up, and barked just as plain as speakin’.  ‘Take care,’ says he, ’ole Joe, you’re in danger,’ an’ with that I woke in a hurry, an’ jist then I saw that big eagle come soarin’ overhead, and then Marsa Graham come and give that snake his death-blow.”

“How did you do it, Graham?” asked Phil, excitedly.

“Oh, I pounded him on the head with a stone as he was making off.  He is a pretty big fellow, and he must have swum from the main-land, Miss Schuyler.”

“Yes, I never saw a snake on this island before.”

“Come here, Nep,” said Phil, “dear old fellow; good dog for taking care of Joe.  Your head shall be my first picture for our sick children.”

CHAPTER XI

A PAIR OF CRUTCHES

Aunt Rachel’s plan was entered into most heartily by both boys, and Graham became so much interested as to act as express agent on his own account, going to the city with what he called his first load of berries and flowers; but on his return was so silent and uncommunicative that Phil asked him if anything had gone wrong.

“Don’t ask me to tell you what I saw,” said he, in reply; “it was more than I could stand.”  Then, as if sorry for his short answer, he added, “It was the most pitiful thing in the world—­such a lot of little pale faces all together! and when I came to give them their share, as the lady in charge told me to do, I cried right out like any baby—­there, now!  But you have no idea how they brightened up, and how glad they looked when they took the posies.  I don’t want to go again, though, unless Miss Rachel asks me to.  I shall see those poor wizened little things as long as I live.  I am going to sell all my pets this fall and give the money to St. Luke’s Hospital, and I shall sell every egg my chickens lay, for the same purpose.”

After that Phil asked no more questions, but worked harder than ever at his drawings, and as the season advanced, and flowers and fruit grew more abundant, they were able to despatch a basket twice a week.

Every day was filled with new life and pleasure.  Increasing strength alone would have been a source of happiness, but in addition to this Phil had the benefit of Aunt Rachel’s loving-kindness, Lisa’s nursing, Joe’s good offices, and Graham’s pleasant, friendly attentions.  Then he was learning constantly something new, with eyes and ears, from the book of nature, with all its wonderful pictures, and from the other books allowed him.