Page:In the Roar of the Sea.djvu/205

Rh overhanging broad-brimmed hat. Without a word of excuse he snatched the light from Mrs. Scantlebray and raised it above Judith's head. "Merciful powers!" he cried, "what is the meaning of this? What has happened? There is blood here— blood! Judith—speak. For heaven's sake, speak!"

The light fell on his face, his glittering eyes—and she slightly turned her head and looked at him. She opened her mouth to speak, but could form no words, but the appeal in those dim eyes went to his heart, he thrust the lamp roughly back into Mrs. Scantlebray's hand, knelt on the steps, passed an arm under the girl, the other about her waist, lifted and carried her without a word inside the house. There was a leather-covered ottoman in the hall, and he laid her on that, hastily throwing off his cloak, folding it, and placing it as a pillow beneath her head.

Then, on one knee at her side, he drew a flask from his breast pocket, and poured some drops of spirit down her throat. The strength of the brandy made her catch her breath, and brought a flash of red to her cheek. It had served its purpose, helped the wheel of life to turn beyond the stress point at which it threatened to stay wholly. She moved her head, and looked eagerly about her for Jamie. He was not there. She drew a long breath, a sigh of relief. "Are you better?" he asked, stooping over her, and she could read the intensity of his anxiety in his face. She tried to smile a reply, but the muscles of her lips were too stiff for more than a flutter. "Run! " ordered Captain Coppinger, standing up, "you woman, are you a fool? Where is your husband? He is a doctor, fetch him. The girl might die." "He—Captain—he is engaged, I believe, taking in his stores."

"Fetch him! Leave the lamp here."

Mrs. Scantlebray groped about for a candle, and having found one, proceeded to light it. "I'm really shocked to appear before you, Captain, in this state of undress." "Fetch your husband!" said Coppinger, impatiently. Then she withdrew.

The draught of spirits had acted on Judith and revived her. Her breath came more evenly, her heart beat