"Going to get him back to Tapp Point just as quick as I can," declared the "able seaman" to Louise. "Doctor ought to see that cut."
"Oh, Betty!"
"Now, now, Miss Lou," murmured the old woman with the light of sudden comprehension in her eyes. "Don't take on now! You've been a brave gal so fur."
"And I will keep my courage," Louise said with tremulous smile.
"Go right over there an' hold his head, Miss Lou. Pet him up a leetle bit; 'twon't hurt a mite."
The vivid blush that dyed the girl's cheeks signaled the fact that Betty had guessed more of the truth than Louise cared to have her or anybody know. She shook her head negatively to the keen-eyed old woman; nevertheless she went forward, found one of Lawford's handkerchiefs and bound up his head. The cut did not seem very deep; yet the shock of the blow he had suffered certainly had dulled the young man's comprehension.
"Thank you—thank you," he muttered and laid his head down on his arms again.
Betty rounded the end of the Neck where the lighthouse stood. One of the lightkeepers was on the gallery just under the lamp chamber and had been watching them through his glasses. He waved a congratulatory hand as the Merry Andrew shot along, under the "able seaman's" skillful guidance.
"I'm goin' to put you ashore in the skiff right there by the store,
Miss Lou," Betty said.
"Shouldn't I get a doctor and send him over to the Point?"