This was responded to at once, and after a few more tiny portions had been poured between the sufferer’s lips a hoarse voice said:—
“Heaven bless you, it has saved my life.”
“Can you sit up a little and drink?” said Dick eagerly.
“I don’t know—I’ll try.”
There was a faint rustling, a piteous groan of pain, and then:—
“Now quick. I can do no more. Water.”
By touch Dick found that his companion had raised himself on one elbow, and he guided the tin to his lips with one hand, passing the other round the poor fellow’s head to try and support him, as he drank eagerly till the last drops were drained from the tin.
“Like life—like life,” was sighed, and Dick felt his patient sink down again with a sigh of content.
“Shall I fetch some more?” said the boy.
“Not yet. Tell me. Who are you? Is it a woman?”