“Oh, brace up!” Eileen whispered tearfully, almost shaking him in her fear. “You must brace up. They’ve gone. But they may come back. If they do, they’ll be sure to get you.”
Gathering his scattered senses, the man on the floor raised himself with an effort on to his elbow. He struggled to his feet and swayed unsteadily. He passed his hand over his eyes and made an involuntary movement as if to thrust his fingers through his hair. As he did so, a pained expression crossed his face, for his fingers encountered nothing but a short stubble of hair close cropped to his skin.
Eileen lent him her support, as he tried to brace himself. She set him in an armchair, then brought him bread, butter, some cold meat and fresh milk from the cupboard, placing them on the table before him.
Only his eyes expressed thanks, but they did it eloquently. Ravenously he turned to, while his young hostess watched him in curiosity and wonder, for never before had she seen one really famishingly hungry.
When not a morsel remained, the man pushed back his chair and turned to the young lady apologetically.
“You’ll excuse me if I forgot my table manners, but––but that was my first food for three days.”
He rose.
“I guess I will be able to make it now. I feel all right;––thanks to you.”
“No, no!” exclaimed Eileen, “you mustn’t go just yet. 21 You must rest if only for a few minutes. I was anxious before these men were clear away, but they have gone. The rest will do you good.”
“No!––I must go. It––it would mean trouble for you if they found me here.”