[CHAPTER XXVI]
SUNSHINE'S HEROISM
Kirke insisted upon Ralph's wound being redressed at intervals all through that dreadful day, whatever else was being done.
"What's the use?" said Ralph, with a quaint smile.
"I don't mean to leave a stone unturned," replied Kirke. "Somehow, I feel as if you had a future before you whatever comes to the rest of us. You have nine lives, like that poor cat, which really seems content in the little one's lap after all its suffering."
Ralph gave a short laugh, with a ring of bitterness in it. "While there is life there is hope, you think," said he.
"Just so," replied Kirke.
Again the day wore on, and the sun sank in the west.
"It must soon be decided now," said Kirke. "Shake hands, old fellow, I am glad we met here, whatever befalls."