“All right now, Belle, aren’t you?” he called to her. “An all-right little girl again?”
“Dave—my—lad!”
The whisper came so low that only Darrin heard it. But Hunter lost nothing of the scene. His hand was on Belle’s pulse.
“Go on talking to her,” he whispered. “That’s the right medicine.”
So Dave continued, as cheerily as before. Belle Darrin could not follow all that he said. There was a trace of bewilderment in her eyes. The lids still fluttered, although she now breathed regularly even if low.
“That’s all, sir. Now step outside until you’re called,” Hunter ordered, with the air of a man who has learned something new and who means to claim all the credit.
Without a word of protest Dave turned, pushed aside the curtain and stepped outside into the passage.
“How is she?” whispered a familiar voice.
“Dan!”
“I came over as soon as I got word. The passengers have been rescued in great shape. But how is Belle?”