Kitty was forced to obey. The major sipped the stimulant slowly. Then he said with a sigh,—
"That has done me good. But what were the doctors saying? I heard them whispering outside."
"They said you were very ill," replied Kitty.
"I should rather think I am—both legs gone at a crash! Nothing but the stump of the old major for the future. Hoped I could retrieve my position. Felt nearly mad last night—thought that nothing mattered—wanted to get to Intombi, and could not. Have reached Intombi. Well, the curtain closes here, and perhaps it is best. I say, little girl, how did you run the gauntlet of the enemy?"
"I came in the ambulance train," said Kitty.
"A good thought. Very plucky. Why did you come?"
"To save Mollie. And I think," added Kitty, and a wild light filled her eyes, and she looked full at the major's flushed and yet paling face—"I think God is saving her."
"From me?"
"Yes."
"You are right. It was a plucky thing of you to do. Tell me something else."