Page:The tragedy of the Korosko (IA tragedyofkorosko00doylrich).pdf/183

 it some coincidence of his delirium, that he should have chosen this for his song? With moist eyes his friends looked back through the darkness, for well they knew that home was very near to this wanderer. Gradually the voice died away into a hum, and was absorbed once more into the masterful silence of the desert.

“My dear old chap, I hope you’re not hurt?” said Belmont, laying his hand upon Cochrane’s knee.

The Colonel had straightened himself, though he still gasped a little in his breathing.

“I am all right again, now. Would you kindly show me which was the man who struck me?”

“It was the fellow in front there—with his camel beside Fardet’s.”

“The young fellow with the moustache—I can’t see him very well in this light, but I think I could pick him out again. Thank you, Belmont!”

“But I thought some of your ribs were gone.”

“No, it only knocked the wind out of me.”

“You must be made of iron. It was a frightful blow. How could you rally from it so quickly?”