Little Nell shrank away, one hand lifted to her throbbing heart, while her face bore an expression of fear. Frank put an arm about her, whispering:
“Don’t be afraid, little girl. Remember that I will protect you.”
She clasped his hand and clung to it closely.
“I will not be afraid now,” she said. “I know you can take care of us. How is he? Can’t I do something for him?”
“Perhaps so. Don’t let him see that you fear him. You may be able to arouse a sense of shame and gratitude in his breast, for it can’t be that all human instincts are crushed out.”
Then the blind girl became very brave, and she sat down near the bed, reaching out and touching the hand of the old engineer.
“Dear uncle,” she said, gently, “I am so sorry you are hurt! It was such an awful fall!”
Again the man opened his blood-shotten eyes. He turned his head and lay looking at her in a strange way.
“Isn’t there something I can do for you, dear uncle?” asked little Nell. “I will do anything I can. I am sorry for you.”
“I’m dreamin’,” muttered the man. “An’ I ain’t had such a dream as this for years. I thought I had the shakes, but it’s a dream. I don’t want to wake up.”