Veranda during the day.

Then suddenly the prospect of being well again became a reality for

Garrick. The leg that Waite was making was nearly finished: he shaped a

leather bucket to take the stump and fitted it to the wood with

flat-headed copper nails; he worked carefully, moulding the leather and

adjusting the straps that would hold it in place. Meanwhile, Garrick

exercised along the veranda, hopping beside Ada with an Arm around her

shoulder, his jaws clenched with concentration and the freckles very

prominent on his face that had been without the sun for so long. Twice

a day Ada sat on a cushion in front of Garrick's chair and massaged the

stump with methylated spirits to toughen it for its first contact with

the stiff leather bucket. I bet old Sean will be surprised, hey? When

he sees me walking around. Everyone will, Ada agreed. She looked up

from his leg and smiled. Can't I try it now? Then I can go out fishing

with him when he comes on Saturday. You mustn't expect too much, Garry,

It's not going to be easy at first. You will have to learn to use it.

Like riding a horse, you remember how often you fell off before you

learned to ride? But can I start now? Ada reached for the spirits

bottle, Poured a little into her cupped hand and spread it on the stump.

We'll have to wait until Doctor Van Rooyen tells us you're ready. It

won't be long now It wasn't. After his next visit Doctor Van Rooyen

spoke to Waite as they walked together to the doctor's trap. You can

try him with the peg-leg, it'll give him something to work for. Don't

let him overtire himself and watch the stump doesn't get rubbed raw. We

don't want another infection. Peg-leg. Waite's mind echoed the ugly

word as he watched the trap out of sight. Peg-leg': he clenched his

fists at his sides, not wanting to turn and see the pathetically eager

face behind him on the veranda.

The you sure thats comfortable! Waite squatted in front of Garrick's

chair adjusting the leg and Ada stood next to him. Yes, yes, let me try

it now. Gee, old Sean will be surprised , hey? I'll be able to go back

with him on Monday, wont I? Garrick was trembling with eagerness.

, We'll see Waite grunted noncommittally. He stood up and moved round

beside the chair.

, Ada, my dear, take his other arm. Now listen, Garry! I want you to

get the feel of it first. We'll help you up and you can just stand on

it and get your balance. Do you understand?

Garrick nodded vigorously.

, All right, then up you come. Garrick drew the leg towards him and the

tip scraped across the wooden floor. They lifted him and he put his

weight on it.

, Look at me, I'm standing on it. Hey, look I'm standing on it His face

glowed. Let me walk, come on, Let me walk. Ada glanced at her husband

and he nodded. Together they led Garrick forward. He stumbled twice

but they held him. Klunk and klunk again the peg rang on the floor

boards. Before they reached the end of the veranda Garrick had learned

to lift the leg high as he swung it forward.

on the way back They turned and he stumbled only once to the chair.

That's fine, Garry, you're doing fine laughed Ada.

You'll be on your own in no time, Waite grinned! with relief. He had

hardly dared to hope it would be so easy, and Garrick fastened on his

words. Let me stand on my own now. Not this time, boy, you've done

well enough for one day. Oh, gee, Pa. Please. I won't try and walk,

I'll just stand.

You and Ma can be ready to catch me. Please, Pa, please. Waite

hesitated and Ada added her entreaty. Let him, dear, he's done so well.

It'll help build up his confidence, Very well. But don't try to move,

Waite agreed.

Are you ready, Garry? Let him go! They took their hands off him

cautiously. He teetered slightly and their hands darted back. I'm all

right, leave me. He grinned at them confidently and once more they

released him. He stood straight and steady for a moment and then he

looked down at the ground. The grin froze on his face. He was alone on

a high mountain, Ins stomach turned giddily within him and he was

afraid, desperately unreasonably afraid. He lurched violently and the

first shriek tore from him before they could hold him. I'm falling.

Take it off! Take it off!

They sat him in the chair with one swift movement. Take it off! I'm

going to fall! The terrified screams racked Waite as he tore at the

straps that held the leg.