“Very well,” said Chris. “When father wakes in the morning, tell him what I’ve done, and why.”
“What shall I say?” cried Ned hoarsely.
“That I felt it was the only chance of saving all our lives; and if I don’t come back it’s because I couldn’t find water, Ned.”
“And then?”
“Good-bye.”
“What do you mean by good-bye?”
“I don’t know,” said Chris sadly. “Only good-bye.”
He held out his hand, but snatched it back and hurried beneath the spread-out tent-canvas, to drop upon his knees close to where the doctor lay plunged in a deep stupor more than sleep.
Chris did not rest there many minutes before he sprang up again and walked hurriedly to where Ned stood with the two ponies and the mule.
“Good-bye,” said Chris then.