Chapter 3:

Charles Ingalls stayed with Rev. Alden all night, so Reverend Alden would have someone in the room with him if he needed anything. As Dr. Baker is coming in the next morning Dr. Baker asks, "Charles, how is Rev. Alden this morning? How did he sleep?"

"Charles answers, "He slept well."

Just than Rev. Alden wakes up shivering from the ice he has been sleeping on all night to keep his temperature down. Dr. Baker takes his temperature and says, "Charles, his fever has broken some but still a little high." Than Dr. Baker asks, "Rev. Alden how do you feel this morning?"

Rev. Alden while holding his side, says, "Dr. Baker, my side still hurts."

Dr. Baker checks and feels Rev. Alden's side and Dr. Baker says, ''I think you may have a couple of broken ribs, I'm going to wrap up your sides with bandages real tight."

Dr. Baker wraps up Rev. Alden's side tightly with bandages and asks, "Rev. Alden how does that feel now?"

Rev. Alden answers as he lays back down, "Somewhat better."

Dr. Baker says, "Good, Rev Alden, rest now and you should be up in a little more than a week."

Rev. Alden goes back to sleep and Charles asks, ''Dr. Baker, so is he going to be ok?"

''Yes Charles, he should be. He has a few broken ribs from that fall but should mend in a week or so, you can go home to your family. I will let you know if there is any changes." Dr. Baker answers.

Charles goes home to his family and tells them, "Rev. Alden has a few broken ribs but will be ok."

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A week passes but Rev. Alden hasn't healed his side is still hurting and his fever continues to be high. Dr. Baker is more and more concerned about Reverend Alden.

Dr Baker and Charles Ingalls are talking in Dr. Baker's office. Dr. Baker says, "Rev. Alden isn't getting better he's getting worse in and out of consciousness. Charles I don't know what to do for him. Maybe we should send him to Mayo Clinic in Rochester where they have better equipment."

Charles answers, ''Dr. Baker, I will go with him. I need to do something to help, I feel responsible since this happened in my barn."

Dr. Baker replies, as he puts his hands on Charles' shoulder. "Now Charles, this isn't your fault." Dr. Baker sits down at his desk and then says, ''I will call Mayo Clinic and let them know he is coming. There is a train that leaves for Rochester tomorrow morning about 10am."

Charles answers, ''I will be ready bright and early tomorrow morning."

Charles leaves the doctor's office and goes home and tells his family the news on Rev. Alden and that he is going with Rev. Alden to Rochester.

Mary says, ''Oh Pa, this is all my fault. I should have been the one tending to the new horses but instead I was off helping with the bell."

Charles looks at Mary and says, ''It wasn't your fault if it's anyone's fault it is mine. I should have had Jack tied up to keep him out of the barn away from the new horses, and Mary we all are glad you helped with the bell. The town needed the bell."

Mary gives her Pa a hug and says, ''I hope and pray Rev. Alden will be ok."

Charles answers, ''Yes Mary, I do too. We all must have faith that Rev. Alden will be back in good health!"

To Be Continued...