He relented. "I don't mean to be cross, little girl. But you must see that I can't take the responsibility of such a madcap any longer. You will have to go back to civilization."
Her face fell. "Oh, Phil! You don't mean that you are going to give up the missionary expedition because of what I've done?"
"I do not," he said crisply. "I came to accomplish certain things up here, and I shan't leave till they are done. But I shall have to manage without my choir. You are going back to Storm, you and Mr. Channing."
"When must we go?" she asked meekly.
"To-day. At once."
"Oh, but Philip, we can't! Mr. Channing couldn't be moved so soon. His poor leg—"
"I'm afraid he will have to risk that valuable member for the good of the common cause. He is going to need much attention, that is plain, and we can't impose on this school-teacher."
"Oh, he won't mind!" interposed Jacqueline, eagerly. "He's as good as a doctor, and a perfect dear."
"'Dear' or not, he is a busy man, and we have no claim on his time. Channing himself wants to go down to the neighborhood of genuine doctors, I fancy. He seems to be alarmed for fear of blood-poison developing." Despite himself, Philip's lip curled a little.
"I don't believe you're one bit sorry for Mr. Channing!"