Water was used
unsparingly, the soldiers working with feverish eagerness, inspired by
the constant admonitions of their officer, as well as their own
curiosity to learn the facts hidden behind this tragedy.
[Illustration: They advanced slowly, the supporting blankets swaying
gently to the measured tread.]
It was the dark eyes of the girl which opened first, instantly closing
again as the glaring light swept into them. Then slowly, and with
wonderment, she gazed up into those strange, rough faces surrounding
her, pausing in her first survey to rest her glance on the sympathetic
countenance of the young lieutenant, who held her half reclining upon
his arm.
"Here," he exclaimed, kindly, interpreting her glance as one of fear,
"you are all right and perfectly safe now, with friends to care for
you. Peters, bring another cup of that broth. Now, miss, just take a
sup or two of this, and your strength will come back in a jiffy. What
was the trouble? Starving?"
She did exactly as he bade her, every movement mechanical, her eyes
fastened upon his face.
"I--I reckon that was partly it," she responded at last, her voice
faint and husky.
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