Chapter 8 In Pendleton Woods.
After she and Jimmy parted ways, Pollyanna headed toward Pendleton Woods.
Even Pollyanna had to admit that it was a tough day.
She still felt disappointed that her aunt wouldn't take Jimmy Bean.
She thought a nice quiet walk through the woods would clear her head.
Suddenly she heard a dog barking.
It sounded quite frantic.
A moment later, the dog came bounding through the woods, almost knocking her over.
She recognized the dog.
It belonged to Mr. Pendleton.
Here, doggie, Pollyanna called.
She snapped her fingers.
Come here, boy.
She hoped that Mr. Pendleton was close behind.
The dog, however, was acting strangely.
It raced part of the way back into the woods, then came back to Pollyanna.
It did this a few more times while barking.
Where are you going, doggy?
Pollyanna asked.
That's not the way home.
After a few moments, she understood that the dog wanted her to follow, so she did.
Not far down the path, Pollyanna discovered the reason for the dog's barking.
Mr. Pendleton was lying on the ground.
Oh, Mr. Pendleton, she cried.
Are you hurt?
He turned to look at Pollyanna as she rushed to his side.
Hurt.
No, of course not.
I'm just taking a late afternoon nap in the woods.
He snapped.
Don't you have any sense?
Why would you ask a silly question like that?
Pollyanna gasped.
She was shocked by his tone.
As usual, though, she answered his questions honestly.
Sense?
Well, I don't know if I have any sense.
Most of all, the ladies ate, except Mrs. Patterson thought I had a great deal of sense.
Mr. Pendleton shook his head.
I'm sorry, child.
I shouldn't have spoken to you that way.
It's this darn leg of mine.
I'm in a terrible amount of pain.
What can I do to help?
Pollyanna asked.
She was very concerned about Mr. Pendleton.
The man reached into his pocket and pulled out a key.
Take this.
Run down the path.
You'll see my house in a few minutes.
Use this key to open the side door.
Do you know how to use a telephone?
Yes, Mr. Pendleton, Pollyanna responded.
I've only done it once, but I've seen Aunt Polly do it plenty of times.
Good.
Look beside the phone and you'll find a list of numbers.
Call Dr. Chilton.
Tell him to bring Min and a stretcher and come here immediately.
Tell him that Mr. Pendleton has a broken leg.
A broken leg!
Pollyanna exclaimed.
How awful!
Whatever can I do to help?
You can telephone the doctor.
Mr. Pendleton sighed.
Would you like me to build you a pillow so you're more comfortable?
Pollyanna looked about her for leaves or grass.
Why do you punish me like this?
Pendleton cried.
Why can't you just go and call the doctor?
That's what I need.
Pollyanna jumped up and said that she'd be back soon.
Then she ran toward the house.
In a few short minutes, she was back at Mr. Pendleton's side with a blanket.
What?
Why have you come back so soon?
Mr. Pendleton said.
He looked very worried and in pain.
Did you have trouble getting into the house?
Of course I got inside the house, Pollyanna said.
Where else would I find a blanket?
She laughed at Mr. Pendleton's question.
I've already called the doctor, and he said he would be here shortly.
He said that he knew exactly where you were, so I didn't bother waiting for him.
I thought it would be better if I kept you company.
Instead, I wanted to be with you.
You didn't. did, the man said, amazed.
Well, I can't say that I admire your taste.
I would think you could find more pleasant companions.
Do you mean because you're so cross?
Pollyanna asked.
Thank you for your frankness.
Yes, because I am so cross.
Mr. Pendleton tried not to smile.
Oh, you're only cross on the outside.
You're not cross on the inside one bit.
And how do you know that?
Mr. Pendleton asked.
Lots of ways, Pollyanna said.
For instance, the way you are with your dog.
You can fool lots of people, but you can't fool animals.
They can see folks' insides a lot better than people can.
Pollyanna looked at Mr. Pendleton.
The poor man was clearly in a lot of pain.
She wanted to help him as best she could.
I'm going to hold your hand if that's all right, Mr. Pendleton, she said.
The man started to object.
However, as soon as Pollyanna took his hand, he felt calmer.
They waited together in the woods until the doctor and his men arrived.
Dr. Chilton, a tall, handsome man, walked quickly through the woods.
He smiled when he saw Pollyanna holding the old man's hand.
"'Well, my little lady, playing nurse?' he said.
"'Oh, no, sir,' she replied.
"'I've only been holding his hand.
I haven't given him one bit of medicine.'
The doctor laughed.
"'Don't worry.'
He said, I'm sure you've done nothing wrong.
I'm just glad I was here, Pollyanna added.
So am I, Dr. Chilton replied.
