'Mother, have you been frightened?'
Then, still speechless, Mrs. Marley pointed to the figure on the floor.
Instantly, with an exclamation, the young man dashed past her, and knelt by the prostrate captain.
Jane's head was dazed. For a moment the earth spun round, and a blue cloud rose and enveloped her. She would have fallen had not her daughter caught and sustained her.
Winefred led her within to a seat, and as Jane entered she shrank from the captain. She put her hands before her eyes and remained breathing hard, and trembling in every limb. After a while she withdrew her hands, looked at the young man, and asked, 'Who is that?'
'It is Jack—Jack Rattenbury,' answered Winefred, who still had her arm about her mother, afraid lest she should slip down in a faint.
Jane remained silent and motionless for a minute, then with a sharp turn of the body shook herself together, rallied her senses, and said, 'Run, run for a doctor—I had been out searching for you, Winnie, and when I came back I found him thus.'
Jack stooped over his father, endeavouring to get him to speak, but although old Rattenbury's eyes rested on him, and his mouth moved, he was unable to articulate words.
'He has had a fit,' said Mrs. Marley, as she stood up, almost herself again. 'If you are Jack, help me to carry him to bed. I have tried to lift him, but have failed. I had not the strength; he is a heavy man.'
'No, mother,' said Winefred, 'Jack and I will do that. You are too shaken.'