They drive to Adolph Morgenroth's farm in the darkness. Once in the house Kennicott has a quick supper and then inspects the farmer. Carol feels the rising nausea at the sight of the mangled flesh. She admires Kennicott's cool. He orders her to pull the tables together and spread a clean sheet over a blanket on the table. Adolph is shifted to the kitchen. Kennicott teaches Carol to administer the ether. Mrs. Morgenroth holds the light and Kennicott operates on the crushed arm deftly. Carol feels giddy at the sight of blood and with the fumes of ether. Kennicott tells her to go out and get some fresh air. She admires her husband's efficiency and courage.
Kennicott decides to spend the night at the farm because he fears a blizzard approaching. They leave in the morning. Kennicott senses the gathering storm and tries to reach home before the storm could overtake them. He manages the situation efficiently. He lets the horses find their way. They reach a cottage. Kennicott takes the horses safely through the gate to the stable. Carol is unable to walk and Kennicott takes care of her. When she expresses her admiration for his strength and courage, he informs her that they could have been blown up because Dave Dyer had sent ether, which is inflammable instead of the chloroform that he had asked for. Carol, who had been unaware of the danger, faints promptly on hearing this.
Table of Contents | Printable Version