"Well, Harry," said Nina, with a face pale, yet unmoved, "our duty calls us away."
And, accompanied by the weary physician, they prepared to go back to Canema. Before they had proceeded far, a man met them on horseback.
"Is Dr. Butler with you?"
"Yes," said Nina, putting her head out of the carriage.
"Oh, doctor, I've been riding all over the country after you. You must come back to town this minute! Judge Peters is dying! I'm afraid he is dead before this time, and there's a dozen more cases right in that street. Here, get on to my horse, and ride for your life."
The doctor hastily sprang from the carriage, and mounted the horse; then, stopping a moment, he cast a look of good-natured pity on the sweet, pale face that was leaning out of the carriage window.
"My poor child," he said, "I can't bear to leave you. Who will help you?"
"God," said Nina; "I am not afraid!"
"Come, come," said the man, "do hurry!" And, with one hasty glance more, he was gone.