All this time Lucilla was standing by her father's side, trembling and weeping.
"Oh, papa, I'm afraid he has given his life for mine," she sobbed.
"I hope not, dear child," he said; "he is living, and I hope his wound will not prove mortal. In saving my daughter's life he has done me a service that I can never repay, and I hope it is not to cost him his own life."
At that moment Chester's eyes opened, and Lucilla never forgot the look of joy and love that he gave her.
"Thank God, you are alive and unhurt," he said, in a low tone and gasping for breath.
"But, oh, Chester, you are so terribly injured," she sobbed. "I am afraid you are suffering very much."
"Don't weep. I can bear it," he said.
"My dear fellow, don't try to talk any more now," said the captain. "I have sent for one or more of our doctors, and here come my men with a cot-bed to carry you to Woodburn, where you must stay until you are entirely well."
"You are most kind, captain," murmured the half-fainting young man, "but——"
"No, no; don't try to talk. I can never repay you for saving my child," the captain said with emotion.