Page:The trail of the golden horn.djvu/49

Rh is of you alone I want to think, Marion. Your love means more to me than anything else. And you do love me, don’t you? The assurance from your lips will send me forth upon my quest with renewed energy. I shall hasten the task, knowing that the sooner it is accomplished, the sooner I shall return to you.”

The sergeant was about to reach out his arms once more to draw Marion toward him, when a step along the hallway caused him to hesitate. He retreated a couple of steps, and thus the two were standing facing each other in a most formal manner as a nurse appeared at the door.

“Excuse me, Miss Brisbane,” she began, “but a man has just arrived from Big Chance for the doctor. A miner has been seriously injured, and needs medical aid.”

“Where is the man who brought the news?” Marion questioned, now all attention.

“He has gone to look after his dogs,” was the reply. “I told him the doctor was away, but that we are expecting him back soon. He asked if one of the nurses could go, as the case is very urgent. He said that he could not take his own dogs out again, as they are almost exhausted with travelling day and night. I wonder what can be done.”

“I must get a team and go at once,” Marion emphatically declared. “I have gone before, so can do it again. Tell Miss Wade to prepare my outfit, as she knows what I shall need. I know where I can get a good team of dogs, so shall look after that myself.”

When the nurse had gone, Marion turned to the sergeant. Her eyes shone with animation and her face expressed determination.

“You will have to excuse me,” she simply said.