"Yes. I'll explain presently. Just now all we can think of is this poor fellow."
"Poor chap!" said Dick sadly. "If I'd only come up a minute or two sooner—I'd gone down to the village for some 'bacca. Who'd have thought he was such a plucky one. For he's not strong, Drake, you see."
Drake nodded.
"No," he said; "but it is not always the strongest who are the bravest. Who is that?" for there came a knock at the door.
Dick went and opened it. Nell stood there, white to the lips, but calm and composed. He answered the question in her eyes.
"All right, Nell! Don't be frightened. He'll pull through; won't he, Drake?"
She turned her eyes upon him, and he met their appeal steadily.
"I hope so," he said.
She stole into the room, and, with her hands clasped, looked down at Falconer in silence.
"I hope so," repeated Drake emphatically. "There are not so many brave men that the world can afford to lose one."