Austin Ambrose nodded, the doctor sighed.
"Well, sir, I'll do my best to bring him back to life; but it will be cruel kindness, I fear, under the circumstances. Poor young fellow! But if he should die he will be spared the misery awaiting him!"
"You—you think there is no hope of her escape?" faltered Austin.
The doctor shook his head.
"There may be a faint hope for him," he said, pointing to the bed. "But for her there is none, none whatever. She was seen on the rocks; they tell me that her cape and hat have been found washed ashore. No; if he should die they will not be long apart. But you look worn out, sir, you had better get some rest."
Austin Ambrose shook his head.
"I will not go until——" and he stopped significantly.
For the remainder of the night they watched beside the still form. Life was in yet, beating faintly, like a flickering lamp; but the dawn came, and Blair still remained hovering between the shores of the River of Death.
The morning passed. The whole village was in a state of excitement over the two accidents; that they should have happened on the same day, and to man and wife, seemed phenomenal, and every one of the inns drove a roaring trade with the crowds of excited men.
There was the chance, too, of another fatality, for the Days' boat had disappeared, and it was rumored that she had gone down in the storm.