CHAPTER XXXVI
SEARCHING FOR CLAIRE
I was unconscious, yet not for long. The first touch of water served to revive me, and I became aware that an arm supported my head, although everything was indistinct before my eyes.
"More water, Mike," said a voice close at hand. "Yes, that will do. Where is Farrell? Oh, Dan, this is Major Lawrence."
"One of the Dragoons said he was in command. Hurt badly?"
"No, I think not; but utterly exhausted, and weak from loss of blood. They put up a game fight."
"Only three on their feet when we got in. Hullo, Lawrence, getting back to the world, lad?"
"Yes," I managed to answer, feeling strength enough to lift myself, and vaguely noticing his features. "Is that you, Farrell?"
"It certainly is," cheerfully. "Duval has his arm about you, and the Camden boys are herding those devils down below. You had some fracas from the way things look. How many men had you?"
I rubbed my head, endeavoring to recollect, staring down into the hall. It was filled with dead and wounded men, and at the foot of the stairs was a pile of bodies.