"I did. It's my turn now. His turn may come later. I explained to him that any excitement or sudden recognition immediately after the operation might prove fatal or disastrous, and he took himself off. But I consider that Phoebe's father is practically identified." "Is he conscious?" asked Billie with subdued excitement. "Not only conscious, but, my dear child, what do you think? Speaking German; not English." Billie gasped. "That's why you wanted Alberdina." "Yes, I needed someone who could speak with him, and a servant would be excellent; better, really, than an educated German. Just now the man's mind is in terrible confusion. He is back in another country somewhere, but he is holding his own, and if he can get over the shock which must come when he links his past with his present, I believe we need have no fear for his reason; but it will be a pretty ticklish moment." The doctor looked down into Billie's eager, earnest face, and his eyes were filled with admiration. "Oh, doctor," she exclaimed, "you are so wonderful. Next to Papa, the most wonderful man I have ever met. Richard and I----" "What!" interrupted the doctor, smiling, "do you mean to say that that young whipper snapper, with his Gypsy notions and his clever tongue, has already photographed himself on your mind? I should never have bathed and bound his wounds if I had guessed it." "You know you would," laughed Billie, blushing a little. "But he's only a comrade." The doctor looked into her eyes again. "That's what they all should be, Miss Billie," he said. "Comrades. And if I were only fifteen years younger, I should be looking for just such a comrade as you." "But I am your comrade," protested the young girl. "Just as much as Richard's. I'm proud to be. It's the greatest honor that's ever been paid to me." "Oh, to be young again," sighed the doctor with a humorous lift to his eyebrows. "Oh, to be young, like young Richard, there. But I must remember that I am a very busy middle-aged person with an extremely interesting patient to pull through. I trust he'll thank me for the job." "Don't you honestly believe he is some distinguished person?" "I couldn't say, little comrade, but I could guess that he's no ordinary one." They had reached the cabin now. The others had come up, and they all stood outside talking in low voices. After a brief word with Alberdina, Dr. Hume conducted her into the little room where the Motor Maids and their friends had once found refuge. From the doorway, Billie could see the silver candlesticks on the mantel shelf. Mrs. Lupo had kept them brightly polished and they lent a strange charm and refinement to the bare apartment. Phoebe crept in and knelt outside her father's door. "Now, Alberdina," said the doctor as a last caution, "you understand that you are not to speak unless the gentleman inside asks you a question in German. Answer him in three words if you can. Then come out quietly. If he calls, you may go back."