Therefore without a moment's hesitation he cautiously dragged
the ladder to the end of the cabin and, making sure that no one was
looking, began climbing it. He was on the top rung and was just
stepping softly to the roof when there was a snapping of rotten wood
and the bar beneath his foot gave way, sending him crashing headlong
to the ground.
Fortunately for Theo the cabin was a low one, and he had not far to
fall; but in trying to save himself he twisted one leg beneath him,
and the result was most disastrous. He felt a sudden sharp pain as he
struck the earth, and when a second later he attempted to rise he
discovered to his chagrin that it was impossible for him to do
so. Every movement he made hurt him excruciatingly, and presently
feeling both faint and dizzy he abandoned further effort.
For an interval he lay very still, ashamed to call for help; then
pocketing his pride he began to yell lustily. His cries brought Franz
and Manuel from the kitchen, Mr. Croyden from his cabin, and Dr. Swift
from his room. Luckily it was just noontime and every one was indoors
awaiting lunch.
Of what followed Theo had only a vague idea. He remembered that his
father and Mr.
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