Nora appeared not to hear but went on:
“Can you stand, my dear?” she asked.
“No,” sobbed the girl, “I guess my leg must be broken. However are we to reach Camp? Oh, Nora, for God’s sake don’t leave me. I should die of fright were you to do so, and the men may be hiding near even now. Don’t go, I beseech. I know I am selfish and I’ve been unkind to you, but forgive me, Nora. I’ll be your slave after this if only you’ll stay with me. Don’t go for help. Just stay here until I die,” and the girl fell to sobbing.
“I’m cold,” she murmured—“I’m so chilly, Nora,” and she shivered.
Quickly Nora removed her heavy white sweater that she had just put on, and raising Ethel to a sitting posture she first put in her good arm. Then she fastened the sweater about the girl’s neck.
“There, dear, that will keep you warm, and I’ll not be after leaving you—never fear—not if we stay together all night in these woods. But I must think how we can manage with you and your injuries. Faith it’s raining and you may catch your death.”
“And I have your sweater on, Nora!” exclaimed Ethel. “Oh, how selfish I am.”
“Keep still,” replied Nora. “I couldn’t wear it now, for I’m going to try and carry you home.”
For a moment Nora gazed tentatively at Ethel. Then suddenly there appeared a dawn of hope in her strong honest face.
“Miss Ethel, listen,” she began. “When a child did ye ever play pig-a-back? Perhaps I might get you home that way.”