ason for doing the best I can." Then he paused and
smiled. "We tried to make the place comfortable, but you'll find things
rough. One lives in a rather primitive way at a construction camp."

"Perhaps, so far, I have found things too smooth."

Then Helen asked him about the accident and he told her as much as he
thought advisable, until they reached the shack, where the doctor met
them at the door.

"I expect you're Mrs. Festing," he said. "You'll find your husband able
to talk, but remember that he must be kept calm. I'm going out, but will
be back soon, and we'll see about getting you some food."

He took Charnock away, and Festing looked up with a strained expression
as Helen crossed the floor. Her eyes were wonderfully gentle, and
stooping beside the bunk she kissed him and put her arm round his neck.

"My dear!" she said softly. "My poor hurt dear! I have come to take care
of you until you get well."

"I imagine I'll need to be taken care of afterwards," Festing
answered, with a forced smile. "It looks as if I hadn't much ground for
self-confidence."

Helen pressed his arm. "We have both made mistakes; but we won't talk
about that now. Do you really feel you're getting better?"

"Of course," said Festing, smiling. "Very much better! I'll get well
remarkably fast now you have come."

Helen brought a chair and for a time they engaged in happy but careless
talk. Both knew there was much to be said, but Helen skilfully avoided
striking a serious note. The time for that had not arrived yet.

When it got dark the doctor came in and joined them at a meal.

"The engineers have promised to put me up to-night, and I must leave
to-morrow when the train goes out," he said. "I'll try to get back, but
Musgrave knows what to do and will send for me if necessary. The most
important thing is to keep Mr. Festing quiet."

"I'm afraid it will be difficult," Helen answered.

The doctor's eyes twinkled. "So I imagine, but it's your job. If you
find it too hard, Musgrave will put your husband in plaster."

He went East next morning with the supply train, and Helen was sorry to
see him go. He had done what was needed with quiet efficiency, but she
knew he had other patients scattered about a wide district.

Charnock came in for a few minutes now and then during the day, and
Musgrave was often about, but Helen was content to be left alone with
her husband. His helplessness moved her; he had been marked by such
vigor and en