Then, the true manhood that had been his, through all generations,
revolted against the thought that was in his mind. The man should
not die if it was in his power to prevent; no matter what the cost
to him, he would give his aid to her and hers. He tried to put
aside the feeling that death was certain--and very soon, at that;
he sought honestly to justify himself in the hope that Bansemer's
life could be saved, after all.
"Leave me alone with the doctor, Miss Cable," he said. She was
kneeling beside the man on the cot. Without a word, but with a
dark appealing look into the Virginian's eyes, she arose and went
swiftly away. "What chance has this poor fellow, doctor?"
"None whatever, sir. He'll be dead in an hour. I'm sorry, on her
account. Strange case. I've heard she belongs to a fine family in
the East. Poor devil, he's got an awful hole in his side."
"Have you made a careful examination? Is it possible that no vital
spot has been touched?"
"We haven't had time for a thorough examination; it was better
not to waste the time on him when there were others whom we have
a chance to save."
"You will oblige me, doctor, by giving him the quickest and most
careful attention. There may be a chance. He is one of the bravest
men in the army. Don't let him die if there is a chance for him.
Miss--er--the nurse--has asked if he can be moved to-day."
"No. But wait; I don't see why, if it will satisfy her. He will
die anyhow, so why not tell her that we will start south with him
to-morrow?"
"It isn't fair. She should be told the truth."
"He'd die, that's all--any way you put it."
"You will make the examination?"
"Yes, in--at once."
"But you--you feel that it is hopeless?"
"Certainly, sir."
"I'm-I'm sorry," said Bray, walking away. The doctor looked after
him with a queer expression in his eyes and then called his confrere
to the pallet.
Bray found Jane waiting for him outside the door; Teresa Velasquez
was standing beside her, holding her hand.
"What does he say?" cried Jane, grey with anguish.
"He cannot be moved. There is no--but little hope, Miss Cable. They
are to make another examination."
"He must be saved! He must! Let me go to him now. I will help. I
will give my life to save his," she cried. Bray stood between her
and the door, his arms extended.
"Don't go in now, I implore. Wait! There may be good news."
"He is everything in the world to me!" she moaned.
"Come with me," whispered Teresa. Bray looked at the Spanish girl,
and a new light broke in upon his understanding. What was this
refugee to Bansemer? The answer shot into his brain like a flash
and he turned cold.
"Miss Cable, I think I understand your anxiety," he said, his voice
trembling. "Won't you let this young lady take you away for half
an hour or---"
"But I am a nurse! Why should I be kept from him? I am here to care
for all of them," she protested.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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