object
of his solicitude. But the boy stood firm.

"There's nothing to be afraid of," he said to himself, and then
wonderingly--"You, father!"

"Yes, my boy; what is it?"

"I only came to see if the man was awake."

"Half," said the doctor. "He is slightly conscious at times. You are
early, my boy."

"Not so early as you are, father," said the boy, smiling. "How long
have you been here?"

"All through the night, my boy."

"Oh!"

"I was afraid to leave him--he is so weak. I have had to give him a
stimulant every hour to keep him alive. There, go now, and don't talk.
I want him to sleep."

Chris stole away, and then stood thinking whether he should rouse up Ned
to go to one of the pools higher up the nearly-dry river, and bale it
out on the chance of getting a few fish after all.

But on second thoughts he let his comrade rest and went into the lean-to
on the other side of the shanty, where he busied himself in lighting a
fire upon the stone and setting the kettle over it, after which he went
cautiously indoors, to return again with a tin canister, which upon
being opened sent forth a fragrant odour.

A few minutes later he was busy over further preparations, but only to
be interrupted by the sound of some one at the door giving three or four
sharp sniffs in rapid succession. Then--"Pig!" came from inside. "Oh,
I say, what a shame! Might have woke a fellow up to have some too."

"'Tisn't for me," said Chris gruffly.

"Oh no! I suppose not. Who's it for, then?"

"The dad: he has been sitting up all night with that poor fellow. I
thought he'd like a cup of coffee."

"Good boy," said Ned. "I'll take _pig_ back."

A few minutes later the two boys were making their way through the
rapidly broadening morning, bearing a steaming mug of milkless coffee
towards the shed, but only to stop short on hearing a strangely harsh
voice talking slowly and solemnly for a few moments, before stopping
suddenly, to be followed by a few words from the doctor.

Then all was silent for some little time, before Chris whispered
sharply--

"Father!"

This brought the doctor to the entrance.

"Thanks," he said. "Very thoughtful of you, Chris. Go away now."

The boys hurried back to the lean-to and made up the fire, to sit
talking till the other occupants of the shanty began to stir, and the
rough breakfast was prepared.

"Been sitting up with the poor fellow all night, Chris?" said Mr
Bourne. "Oh, he sho