“Best keep on with the bathing,” he said.
And without a sign Jim bent to his task once more. A moment later Eve stirred, and her eyes opened. At first there was no meaning in her upward stare. Then the eyes began to move, and settled themselves on Jim’s face. In a moment consciousness returned, and she struggled to sit up. It was then the man’s arm was thrust under her shoulders, and he gently lifted her.
“Feeling better, Eve?” he asked gently.
There was a moment’s pause; then a whispered, “Yes,” came from her lips. But her wound began to bleed afresh, and Jim turned at once to Elia.
“Go you and hunt up Doc Crombie,” he said hastily. And as the boy stirred to depart, he added in a tone that was curiously sharp set, “Then go on to the saloon and tell Will Henderson to come right up here.”
But Peter interfered.
“Let him get the Doc,” he said. “I’ll see to him––later.”
The two men exchanged glances, and Jim gave way.
“Very well. But hurry for Crombie.”