"Yes, as I said, Sturdy, still—"
Nothing more definite was said about the matter. Nevertheless, when at last the Gurnet steamed down the Bosphorus, she had on board not only Jack's sister and Sister Mary, but Cousin Llewellyn also. The ladies had Captain Gillespie's cabin, and Jack gave up his little place to his cousin. Poor Llewellyn had been severely wounded in a brave attempt at saving the life of his friend Grant. This promising young officer, however, was shot through the heart in Llewellyn's arms; it was the same bullet, the surgeon said, that killed the one and wounded the other. There is a sad story connected with the life of young Grant and with his death.*
* True, but the name of this young hero I have altered.—AUTHOR.
When the war was declared, his father had forced him against his will to become a soldier, even rating him as deficient in courage because he hung back.
"As you think I lack courage," he had replied, "I'll go; but mind I have no hankering after a soldier's life."
Poor fellow! a score of times he had proved how brave he was, and it was while leading a charge against fearful odds that he fell, only wounded at first, but slain by another bullet as Llewellyn was trying to drag him into shelter.
The saddest thing about it is this. A letter he had some time before received from his parents was pierced by the bullet and stained with the hero's life-blood. This was sent home to the father. Surely a sad memento.
* * * * *
Away down the beautiful Mediterranean sailed the Gurnet on the wings of a spanking breeze. The weather was everything that could be desired, and every stitch of canvas that could be carried was set. After the first few days, even Sturdy got used to the desecrating innovation of chairs upon the quarter-deck. But it had seemed odd and dreadful at first. Yet, than Sister Mary and Maggie Mackenzie, no more interesting or pretty persons had surely ever sat on the deck of a man-o'-war.
Dr. Reikie devoted himself specially to Maggie, and a score of times a day Paddy O'Rayne was sent to see if she wanted anything.