It was unusually late, and I was weary and heartsick.
But as I was on my way to my quarters, I noticed a soldier lying in a field not far from the main travelled road. There was something in the appearance of the man that attracted my attention, and I stopped my carriage and went to him.
At first I thought he was dead; but a closer examination convinced me that he was alive.
The shades of night were gathering around us, and the point where he lay was one of unusual danger.
I hurried back to my carriage, and brought water and restoratives, and began an earnest effort to resuscitate him.
It was not long till he opened his great brown eyes in a questioning way.
“Poor boy!” I said in pitying tones; but he closed his eyes as though he had not fully understood.
After a little he looked up into my face, and said in a whisper,—
“They left me here to die.”
“Oh, but you will be taken care of now, and you’ll get well. Don’t think about dying—just think how soon you will be well again.”