"I have lancets, tourniquets, and anti-venom in my tent."
Her smooth hand tightened a little on his arm. She had not realised that the danger was more than a vague possibility.
"You have spring water, of course," he said.
"No.... I boiled a little from the swamp before I drank it."
He turned to her sternly and drew her arm[302] through his with an unconscious movement of protection.
"Are you sure that water was properly boiled—thoroughly boiled?" he demanded.
"It bubbled."
"Listen to me! Hereafter when you are thirsty you will use my spring water. Is that understood?"
"Yes.... And thank you."
"You don't want to get break-bone fever, do you?"