"I'll do my best," Tristan said. The truth was, it was hard to say what state the priest was in. He was breathing and had a pulse, and there didn't seem to be any neck or skull fractures, but that didn't say anything about possible brain damage. What he was most worried for now was any swelling under the skull. He didn't feel any yet, but if it would develop, the priest's life would still be in danger.

A man he recognized from a few houses down came over asking how he could help, and Tristan sent him for his bag. There was always one ready in his office with some emergency essentials.

The housekeeper meanwhile accompanied Elijah through the sacristy into the presbytery. "There's bandages in that drawer over there. A towel in the dresser in the room upstairs on your left. Bring 'em to the doctor already. I'll fetch hot water 'n soap!" she instructed. She looked pale. Not even tea could solve this disaster.