If he does not, tap on the door for me." Alice Deringham bent her head again, and, when the doctor went out with Seaforth, sat down beside the bed.

Her fatigue had gone from her, and though she had never done such things before, she gently drew the coverings higher about the man, and once ventured to raise his head a trifle and smooth down the pillow.

Alton opened his eyes, and for a moment they seemed to follow her, but the gleam of understanding went out of them when she sat down again.

Then he lay very still, and there was an oppressive quietness through which she could hear the crackle of the stove and the night wind moaning about the ranch.

Alton's eyes were shut now, and the girl sat and watched him, too intent almost to wonder at herself.