The song of the "Comet's" motor broke the stillness of the afternoon some ten days later as he cheerfully pushed upward on the Indian Head road. Mr. Campbell was at the wheel and beside him sat Billie, glancing up at him from time to time with eyes full of loving devotion. On the back seat was Phoebe, silently contented beside Richard Hook, and the other occupant was Alberdina Schoenbachler, that absurd little hat perched atop her big smiling face. There had been many days of anxiety and suspense for the people at Sunrise Camp. It was impossible not to feel deeply interested in the strange things that were transpiring in the little cabin on Indian Head. The two young surgeons had arrived; a tent had been pitched alongside the cabin, and one morning early the operation was performed. Since that time the patient had lain in a stupor. And now Dr. Hume had sent Mrs. Lupo, tamed and domestic, to take Alberdina's place at the camp, and Alberdina was to come at once to the cabin. Mrs. Lupo could give no reason; that was all the message stated, except that the patient was doing well. The doctor went down the path to meet them, when the car stopped under the brow of the hill. He shook hands with Richard Hook, patted Phoebe on the cheek, and said: "Hang on to your faith, little girl. It's a wonderful reservoir to draw on." Then he grasped hands with Mr. Campbell, whom he had met several times now and liked immensely, nodded to Alberdina, and drawing Billie's arm through his, marched on ahead. "Anybody might think my little girl was a consulting physician," remarked Mr. Campbell, amused at the earnest conversation the young girl and the great surgeon had plunged into,--and proud, too, that it should be so. "Oh, they have lots of secrets from us, Mr. Campbell," replied Richard Hook. "Miss Billie is confidential adviser to the doctor. I don't believe he takes a step without consulting her first." "Wise man," answered Billie's father. "He'll get some good sound advice, if not entirely professional." In the meantime, Billie was saying: "Oh, doctor, what has happened? Is he conscious? Has he spoken? Does he recognize anyone?" "How could he, child, when there is no one for him to recognize? Recollect that in coming to, the man has taken up the thread of his life of eighteen or twenty years ago. I would not trust him to see Phoebe at this point. Only the faces of strangers are safe for him for the time being." "And the stranger never came back who inquired about him that day?" "No. I told him two weeks would be safer. There is no doubt the man was a personage of some sort. His companion said, 'Yes, Excellency,' as they went down the path. I suppose he's got some kind of a title." "Did he seem excited?" asked Billie. "I could hardly say excited. He appeared a good deal moved by the story of Phoebe and her father. He asked me if any money was needed." "Of course you said 'no'?" observed Billie.