Suddenly the girl stumbled and nearly fell. His arm was about her in an instant. He could feel how her body drooped against him in utter weariness. She had reached the end of her strength.
“Come,” he said; “we must rest,” and he led her unresisting to the side of the road.
They sat down close together with their backs against the wall, and her head for an instant fell upon his shoulder. By a supreme effort, she roused herself.
“We cannot stay here!” she protested.
“No,” Stewart agreed. “Do you think you can climb this wall? We may find cover on the other side.”
“Of course I can,” and she tried to rise, but Stewart had to assist her. “I do not know what is the matter,” she panted, as she clung to him. “I can scarcely stand!”
“It’s the reaction,” said Stewart. “It was bound to come, sooner or later. I had my attack back there on the road. Now I am going to lift you on top of the wall.”
She threw one leg over it and sat astride.
“Oh, I have dropped the bundle,” she said.
“Have you been carrying it all this time?” Stewart demanded.