n't see as we can get a door off without tools, sir," said Smiler.
"What d'yer say to a huddle?"

"The very thing. We can lift this mattress right on to it, and it will
be lighter and easier to carry."

The light hurdle was soon brought, and the rough bed lifted carefully
on. Volunteers were plentiful enough, and one of the men was sent on in
advance to the little roadside inn, to give warning of the approach of
the wounded man, while the four bearers--possibly from the load being
what it was--stepped out in regular slow military fashion, and went on
along the dusty lane.

"Will he die, sir?" whispered Joey, as they reached the road.

The doctor shook his head.

But fate had destined that the patient should find a different
resting-place that night, for before half a mile had been traversed the
sound of wheels was heard behind, and the doctor called to the party to
step on one side of the lane and to let the waggonette which approached
pass by.

This necessitated a halt, which was taken advantage of for a change to
be made in the bearers; and, while this was going on, the waggonette was
stopped, and the younger of two ladies within the vehicle addressed the
doctor.

"What is the matter?" she asked. "An accident?"

"Rather worse than an accident, I'm afraid," said the doctor, raising
his hat in a combination of respect and admiration for the speaker. "A
young soldier has been found injured by a bullet."

"And you are taking him to Ratcham?"

"No; to the neighbouring public-house. But, may I ask, are you going
into Ratcham?"

"Yes, yes," said the lady excitedly, as she rose, held on by the rail of
the driver's seat, and peered over the heads of the bearers, adding
wildly--"Oh, aunt, aunt! it must be poor Smithson they have found."

"Anna, my dear, what are you going to do?" cried the elder lady from
behind her veil.

"Nothing--I--oh, aunt, I--"

The words were faltered out, but the girl's movements were quick and
decisive as she unfastened the door at the back of the waggonette and
sprang down, the labouring men drawing right and left as she turned to
the side of the hurdle.

"It is--it is!" she cried, as she bent over the pallid face and laid her
hand upon Dick's forehead.

"You know him, then?" said the doctor eagerly, for his patient began to
be of much greater importance in his eyes.

"Oh, yes--a little. Yes--very well," cried Miss Deane, contradicting
herself.

"Anna, my dear, pray come