"Yes. Yes. Lie still for a while."
And so they half lay, half crouched in the mud and water, while the inferno swept over them, passing to the south. His head was on her breast and against his ear he could feel her heart beating bravely, a message of strength and cheer. From time to time her wet fingers brushed his hair with water and then, as he seemed to be sinking into a dream again, he felt lips light as thistle-down upon his brows.
Death such as this, he thought, was very pleasant.
And then later he was aroused by a shrill clear call.... Then saw lights flashing.... Heard men's voices.... Felt himself carried in strong arms ... but all the while there were soft fingers in his own.
CHAPTER XXII
RETRIBUTION
When they lifted him into the automobile and Beth got in beside him, his fingers moved in her own.
"Beth," she heard him whisper.