“He’s pale as a ghost. Can’t we do something?” Jane nodded and rose from her chair. It wasn’t any of her business, really, but there might be something she could do. She stepped forward and leaned down.
“You look ill,” she said. “I’m a trained nurse. Is there anything I can do?”
The stricken man managed to smile and his eyes spoke his thanks. Jane bent low so he could speak directly into her ear.
“Appendicitis, I fear. I’ve had it before, but never an attack as severe as this. How long before we’ll be in Chicago?”
“Not long,” replied Jane. “I’ll see if I can’t find something to make you more comfortable.”
“It’s appendicitis,” she said. “Let’s see if we can find anything in the pantry to make into a compress or fix up an ice bottle. That may help check the inflammation until we get to Chicago.”
While the other passengers looked on a little startled, the girls went back to the pantry.
“Here’s a bottle of cold water,” said Sue.
“I’ve found some towels. We’ll make some cold compresses.”