"Hullo, Doc!" said Jake.
Maud gazed at him in astonishment. "I had no idea you were up here. When--how did you come?"
Jake was faintly smiling. "I came just now, by the back way, as is my custom. I promised to be here to give him a send-off, Doctor. Guess you've no objection?"
"So long as you go when you're told," said Capper rather shortly.
"Reckon I always do that," said Jake.
"Do you?" said Capper, with his sudden smile. "That's not always been my experience of you."
"Oh, shucks!" said Jake, turning deep red.
Capper passed him by, and went to Bunny. Maud saw that he was intent upon reassuring him as he had reassured her. She turned away to the window, and waited.
Jake did not join her there, possibly because his hand was tightly locked in Bunny's. But very soon Capper called her back to the bedside, and drew her into talk, keeping her there till he finally rose and went out with the nurse.
Maud scarcely knew how she came through the next few minutes, but Jake and Bunny seemed to feel no strain. Jake was talking of the horses, and the boy's keenest interest was aroused.