It was too dark to see anything, but she could hardly bear to leave him, as she hurried back to the hut for the lantern. All this had taken but few minutes, so that she had only to catch it up from the table where Stead's book still lay.
By the time she came back, he had opened his eyes, and his hand was on Growler's head.
"Are they gone?" he asked faintly.
"Yes, and Peter after them. Oh! Stead, you are badly hurt."
"They have not got it?"
"Oh no, no, you saved it."
"Thank God. Is Ben safe?"
"Yes, after them with Peter. I sent him out while you were talking to call Peter."
"Good—" and his eyes closed again. "Good Growler, poor Growl—" he added, fondling the big head, as the dog moaned. "See to him, Pat."
"I must see to you first. Oh! Stead, is it very bad?"