"I cannot imagine. I can only hope that she is safe. Most probably she has been taken prisoner. Even in that case, there is little danger that she will ever be recognized."
"But why should they take prisoner a wounded civilian?" Stewart persisted. "I cannot understand it—unless——"
His voice died in his throat.
"Unless what?" asked the officer, turning on him quickly. "What is it you fear?"
"Unless she was recognized!" cried Stewart, hoarsely.
But the other shook his head.
"If she had been recognized—which is most improbable—she would not have been taken prisoner at all. She would have been shot where she lay."
And then again that dark stain upon the floor flashed before Stewart's eyes. Perhaps that had really happened. Perhaps that blood was hers!
"It is the suspense!" he groaned. "The damnable suspense!"
"I know," said the other, gently. "It is always the missing who cause the deepest anguish. One can only wait and hope and pray! That is all that you can do—that and one other thing."