"I'll tell you in the morning; don't say anything to me about it now. Just bring her to her senses as soon as you can."
Wondering and perplexed, the commander passed into the room again. As he entered, he naturally turned his eyes toward his patient, and it was now his turn to evince the agitation that had seized the ranger.
"What's the matter with you, doctor?" asked Mansfield.
"My heavens! I know that girl!"
"Who is she?"
"Never mind now. I understand the meaning of Peterson's conduct. Leave me alone, Russel, and it shall all be made plain to you in the morning."
Our hero withdrew, and the commander was left alone with that being who has figured as the Frontier Angel in these pages. She sat bolt upright in the bed, staring at him with a look as fixed and intense as that of a wild animal.
"Lie down, Myra!" he spoke gently.
"Lie down!" she repeated half to herself. "What does all this mean?—Why am I here?—Have I been wounded?—Why is my head bandaged?—Am I dreaming?"
The commander approached and laid her head back upon the pillow. In this position she pressed her hand to her forehead and commenced muttering to herself. The commander listened, and now and then caught her words.