the fire had
reached Roselands, and he had hastened to the spot to give aid in
extinguishing it, or to any who might be injured.

He found the captain showing signs of life; he moved his head, then opened
his eyes.

"Where are you hurt, sir?" asked the doctor.

"Not very seriously anywhere, I trust," replied the captain, trying to
rise. "Ah!" as he fell back again, "both back and ankle seem to have had a
wrench. But, friends, are you not needed over there at the fire? My
injuries can wait."

"Little or nothing more can be done there, and there are people enough on
the ground now to leave us free to attend to you," said Mr. Dinsmore.

The doctor was speaking aside to Donald and Solon.

Coming back, "We will have a litter ready in a few moments," he said,
"and carry you over to Ion."

"By all means," said Mr. Dinsmore. "You accompany us, of course, Arthur?"

"Certainly, sir."

"How is she--the old negress? Was she much injured by the fall?" Captain
Raymond asked.

No one could tell him, and he begged the doctor to attend to her while the
litter was preparing.

Arthur went in search of her, and presently returned, saying she had
escaped without any broken bones, though apparently a good deal shaken up
and bruised.

CHAPTER IX.

"Man proposes, but God disposes."

Donald left Ion the next morning, going away sadly and alone, yet trying
to be truly thankful that his friend's injuries, though severe, were not
permanent, and that he left him where he would have the best of medical
treatment and nursing.

"Don't be uneasy about the captain," Mr. Dinsmore said in parting; "I can
assure you that Arthur is a skilful physician and surgeon, and we have
several negro women who thoroughly understand nursing. Beside my wife,
Elsie and I will oversee them and do all in our power for the comfort and
restoration of the invalid."

"Thank you, cousin. I am sure nothing will be left undone that skill and
kindness can do," Donald said, shaking with warmth the hand Mr. Dinsmore
held out to him. "Raymond is one in a thousand. I've known him for years,
and he has been a good and valuable friend to me. I wish it were possible
for me to stay and wait on him myself; but army men are not their own
masters, you know. He'll be wanting to get back to his ship before he's
able. Don't let him."

"Not if I can prevent it," was Mr. Dinsmore's laughing rejoinder. "By the
way, should not some word be sent to his wife?"

"