What do you mean!" "Not that, sir," I said, recovering myself.

"I was half-mad with pain and excitement then, and I wanted to save your life." "Yes, I know; I know," he said, changing his manner.

"I forgive you, for no one else heard; and now, thank you, my lad; thank you.

If I survive to write to my poor wife and girls again, I shall tell them when they pray for me to put the name of some one else in their prayers--the some one who saved my life.

Thank you, my lad, and God bless you!" I felt astonished and at the same time overcome by his words, and in my confusion could not find words to reply, till, lowering my eyes, I found exactly what I ought to say; for they fell upon the great patch of blood-stain which had been spreading terribly upon his right leg, till his knee was suffused, and ugly marks were visible right down his brown leather boot.
In an instant my hand went up to my throat, and I loosened the silk handkerchief knotted there.
"Your wound's bleeding dreadfully, sir; let me tie it up." "No, no; not till I've seen to the men, my lad," he replied peevishly as he turned away, only, however, to turn back.
"Yes," he said, with a smile; "thanks, lad.