The wounded boy was breathing heavily, and a single glance told our hero that he had but a few minutes to live.
"Loosen his shirt collar and give him some air," said Dr. Pestle. "The knife has touched a vital spot, and it is only a question of a very few minutes before the little fellow will die."
Jack at once unbuttoned Joe's shirt.
As he did so he turned as pale as death and a strange cry came from his lips.
"What is the matter?" exclaimed the doctor, springing to his side.
"Joe is a girl!" came from Jack's pallid lips.
His startling words seemed to bring the wounded one to consciousness, for at that moment the large eyes opened.
"Yes, I am a girl," came from the feeble lips, which were fast turning blue. "Mr. Howard, promise me that you will not hate me for following you in this guise when you think of me in after life! I followed you because I was left alone in the world, and because I—I—I loved you!"
"Great God!" exclaimed Jack. "Surely you are not Masie Langford, the girl we met almost at the commencement of our trip?"