"Yes."
"Well, I will take you back."
"I will walk with you a little way, but I am fast getting better. What a mercy you found me!" he kept on repeating at intervals.
He leaned heavily against her. She was strong and tall. They paused at last just outside the barracks, under a lamp. The light fell full on her face. He looked into her eyes, and the colour mounted into his own forehead.
"To whom am I indebted?" he asked.
"To a Sister of the Red Cross," she replied. "But I don't need thanks," she added hastily; "I am only too glad to have been able to help you."
"As far as I can tell, I owe my life to you," he replied.
He looked at her as if he expected her to say more; but she did not ask his name. There was an expression of relief on his face as she turned away.
"Good-night; God bless you!" he said. "I shall thank you for this in my heart to the longest day I live."
She held out her hand, and he grasped it. Never before had he felt so strong, so cool, so firm, so strength-giving a hand.