"Joel Martin, you are a brave man, I know,——" began Mr. Waters; but Martin again interrupted him with:
"I shall make no outcry. You have a knife in your belt. Stab me, and be done with it."
"I shall not."
"Where are you going to take me?"
"To my horse."
Martin grumbled at the useless delay, but suffered himself to be carried to the horse.
"Can you ride?" Waters asked.
"Yes."
"I will help you to the saddle, and, if you think there is danger of your falling, I can tie you."
He assisted the wounded man into the saddle and took the rein in his hand, saying, "Hold, and I will lead."