The jolly boat was launched, and as
it approached the land the man arose and coming down to the water's
edge, shouted:
"Be that you, Doctor?"
"Yes, Uncle Tom, it is I?" the Doctor shouted back, for he had already
recognized Uncle Tom, one of the fine old men of the coast.
When Grenfell stepped ashore and took Uncle Tom's hand in a hearty
grasp, the old man broke down and cried like a child. Uncle Tom was
evidently in keen distress.
"Oh, Doctor, I'm so glad you comes. I were lookin' for you, Doctor,"
said the old man in a voice broken by emotion. "I were watchin' and
watchin' out here on the rocks, not knowin' whether you'd be comin'
this way, but hopin', and prayin' the Lard to send you. He sends you,
Doctor. 'Twere the Lard sends you when I'm needin' you, sir, sorely
needin' you."
Uncle Tom is seventy years of age. He was born and bred on The
Labrador, but he has not spent all his life there. In his younger days
he shipped as a sailor, and as a seaman saw many parts of the world.
But long ago he returned to his home to settle down as a fisherman and
a trapper.
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