"Please take me to it, I am so afraid to be alone. Please take me to the train. I am due at Intombi; they want me very badly." Here she held the apron and cap out to him. "See," she said. She pointed to the Red Cross badge on her arm.
The soldier whistled, and looked at her significantly.
"I was in hospital," he said, "at Ladysmith, and a rough enough time it wor. If it weren't for Sister Mollie—"
"I know Sister Mollie," said Kitty. She hesitated as to whether or not she should say she was Mollie's sister. "I know her well, very well," she continued. "I have nursed under her. She is expecting me back. I lost my way."
"I don't know how you could," said the man.
"But I did. Oh, don't question me any further. Get me to the ambulance train, please. You are not a sentry, are you?"
"No, I am not a sentry."
"Then you can take me. And see, you shall have all the money I possess."
As she spoke, she opened her little purse and emptied it into the soldier's palm. It contained three or four shillings and a couple of pence. He looked at the money as it lay in his hand. It would buy a dainty for his supper; and even with full rations, dainties in Ladysmith were not to be despised. Nevertheless he was an honest British soldier, and nothing would induce him to take her last shillings from a Red Cross nurse.
"Take back your money," he said; "I don't want it. If you come with me quick, you may catch the train, but you were a great fool to lose it."