"Well, young feller!" he said, with a brave attempt to smile in his old, cheery way.
Koko took his hand and pressed it gently.
"You must get well quick now, Jim, old boy."
"It isn't in me," said Jim.
"But you must. Oh, Jim, please buck up and get well!"
Jim tried to shake his head, and the agonising pain which this slight action caused him brought the perspiration out on his face.
"I'm too far gone, dear old chap," he murmured. "I know it."
Koko gently bathed his friend's damp face with a sponge dipped in some cool, soothing lotion. His touch was as soft as a woman's. The trained nurse, when she went out for her daily ride on the top of a 'bus, knew that she was leaving her patient in good hands when she left him with Koko.
"That's great," muttered Jim, and fell into a doze.
As Koko kept watch by his chum's bedside, his kindly brown eyes became dim and misty. Could it be that he was to lose Jim after all? he wondered. Oh no, that could not be! Surely this great, honest fellow would be spared! He was so young--hardly more than a boy--and had lived such a little time.