orms
stretched on the ground they saw that their help could not avail. The
wounded had either been carried off by their companions, or had dragged
themselves away to seek assistance. Still they persevered in their
mission of mercy, searching for others who might be still breathing.
They were attracted by the sound of a groan, which proceeded from a spot
not far off. Again all was silent.

"Here is a wounded man!" exclaimed one of the ladies, calling to
Constance. "He is a naval officer, I see, by his dress."

Constance and her other friends hurried to the spot, and, by the light
of a lantern cast on the countenance of the officer, Constance saw at a
glance that he was Nigel. She threw herself on the ground, and
endeavoured, with the help of her companions, to staunch the blood
flowing from a wound in his side. He was pale as death, but another
groan escaping from his lips showed her that he still breathed. At
length they succeeded in stopping the effusion of blood. She called on
his name, but he was too weak to answer, though once she felt, as she
took his hand, a slight pressure returned, which showed that he
recognised her voice.

"Oh, Marie, hasten to the house, and entreat some of our friends to come
and assist in carrying him there!" she exclaimed to one of her
companions. "Bring a bed, or a door torn from its hinges, on which he
can be placed. We must not allow him to remain here longer than is
possible. Quick, my dear, if you love me!"

Her friend hurried away, eager to bring assistance which the young
officer so greatly needed. Constance in the mean time sat by the side
of Nigel, resting his head on her arm, while she bent over him, and
assured herself that he still breathed. Though dreading every moment to
hear his last sigh, with loving and gentle words she endeavoured to
recall him to consciousness. How fearfully long the time seemed. The
sounds of the strife still going forward reached her ears, though she
scarcely heeded them, for all her thoughts and all her feelings were
centred on Nigel. Anxiously she and her friend waited the arrival of
the party from the house. The latter every now and then got up and
advanced a few paces to listen. At length lights were seen in the
distance, and footsteps were heard approaching. Constance uttered an
exclamation of thankfulness when she saw her friends approaching with a
litter they had hastily constructed with three poles supporting a
mattress.