er of horseflesh had not aroused angry feelings, even
their mutual adoration of Isobel Hannay had not affected a breach in
their friendship; but upon the subject of sending Bathurst to
Coventry they quarreled so hotly, that for a time they broke off all
communication with each other, and both in their hearts regretted that
their schoolboy days had passed, and that they could not settle the
matter in good schoolboy fashion.

CHAPTER XIV.

But though obliged to defer to Major Hannay's wishes, and to abstain
from arguing with the men the question of Bathurst being given the cold
shoulder, Dr. Wade had already organized the ladies in his favor. During
the afternoon he had told them the tiger story, and had confidentially
informed them how it was that Bathurst from his birth had been
the victim of something like nervous paralysis at all loud sounds,
especially those of the discharge of firearms.

"His conduct today," he said, "and his courage in rescuing that native
girl from the tiger, illustrate his character. He is cool, brave, and
determined, as might be expected from a man of so well balanced a mind
as his; and even when his nerves utterly broke down under the din of
musketry, his will was so far dominant that he forced himself to
go forward and stand there under fire, an act which was, under the
circumstances, simply heroic."

There is little difficulty in persuading women as to the merits of a man
they like, and Bathurst had, since the troubles began, been much more
appreciated than before by the ladies of Deennugghur. They had felt
there was something strengthening and cheering in his presence, for
while not attempting to minimize the danger, there was a calm confidence
in his manner that comforted and reassured those he talked to.

In the last twenty-four hours, too, he had unobtrusively performed many
little kindnesses; had aided in the removals, carried the children,
looked after the servants, and had been foremost in the arrangement of
everything that could add to the comfort of the ladies.

"I am glad you have told us all about it, Doctor," Mrs. Doolan said;
"and, of course, no one would dream of blaming him. I had heard that
story about his leaving the army years ago; but although I had only seen
him once or twice, I did not believe it for a minute. What you tell us
now, Doctor, explains the whole matter. I pity him sincerely. It must be
something awful for a man at a time like this not to be able t