CHAPTER XXVIII THE LIFTED VEIL
After Dan had left the Mission House Madeline was kept busy for a while getting breakfast for herself and Donnie. The latter had slept soundly, and awoke much refreshed, with more of the old healthy colour in his cheeks. He opened his eyes, and looked around. Hearing sounds in the kitchen he tumbled out of bed, and standing in the doorway gave a chuckle of delight when he saw that Madeline was really there, and had not left him again. Soon he was enfolded in her arms, and his lips and cheeks showered with fervent kisses of welcome. Then he was carried off bodily to have his face and hands washed, and his tangled hair combed into something approaching order. He was hungry, too, and could hardly wait until Madeline had finished before beginning his breakfast. His little tongue wagged incessantly as he sat at the side of the table opposite Madeline. He asked many questions, especially about the unconscious man lying on the cot.
"What's the matter wif 'im?" he asked. "Why is he so still? Is he asleep?"
"He was hurt, dearie," was the quiet reply.
"Who hurt 'im, Malin?" and Donnie's eyes opened wide.
"The Indians, dear. They shot at him."
"Oh, I'm sorry. He was so dood to me. He said he loved 'ou, Malin, an' would take me to 'ou."
"Did he say that, dearie? Are you sure?" and Madeline leaned eagerly forward.
"Ya, me sure," was the simple response.