Page:Taylor - In the Dwellings of the Wilderness.djvu/148

 like an overridden horse. An instant Merritt stood motionless with his men; but with the voice, he understood and leaped forward and caught the flying figure by its arm.

"Deane! Deane! For God's sake, what's happened?"

And Deane stumbled, recovered himself, reeled, and came slowly to the ground, with Merritt's arm about his shoulders, and his face hidden in his hands.

Merritt looked up, white to the lips with sheer fright.

"Get water, somebody!" he cried.

They brought him a cup, but Deane made no motion to take it until Merritt held it carefully to his lips. Then he snatched it, with a snarl like a hungry