Presently, as they leant over her, half-paralysed by conflicting emotions of joy, fear, and surprise, she opened her eyes, struggled to her feet, and sprang to the side of the horse.
“Laura!” they cried.
“Ah, heavens, it is you. I thought—” She looked round wildly, then fainted dead away.
“Look at her hands, how they have been torn,” and Hume gently pressed his lips to the fingers he held.
“Some water!” cried Webster.
“Yes, you run for the water;” and Hume passed his arm under the graceful head.
Webster looked fiercely across at his friend. “I can support her; you go for the water.”
“Klaas,” cried Hume, “water, quick!”
Klaas, who had been standing near, hurried up with a tin of water, which both young men attempted to take, the result being that the contents were spilled.
“It appears you wish to quarrel,” said Hume.