“By Jove!” ejaculated Harvey as he examined Ethel’s ankle and pronounced it a compound fracture, “you’re all right, Miss Casey, first to staunch the blood and bandage her arm, and second to bind her ankle in such a surgeon-like manner, say nothing of carrying her on your back for over a mile and a half and holding her leg so that you saved her pain. I take off my hat to you, Miss Casey. You have the nerve and strength of a man.”
“I don’t see,” said Uncle John, “how in the name of heaven you managed to raise her, wounded as she was, upon your back—let alone bringing her through the pouring rain a dark night like this. Why! it’s been a regular thunder shower. I’m glad that her mother knows nothing of it.”
Nora sighed. She was very tired. Miss Kate came forward and put her arm around her.
“My dear, you are an honor to the Camp Fires. We owe a vote of thanks to this brave girl,” and taking Nora’s face between her hands she kissed her affectionately.
“I’ve done nothing wonderful,” replied Nora simply, taking her sweater from Patty Sands. “Luckily I heard her moan and found her. I couldn’t go away and leave her helpless and alone in a blinding storm, and two men waiting to seize her.” Then she told Ethel’s story of the conversation that she had overheard.
“Nor could we stay in the woods over night alone.”
A buckboard appeared and Mrs. Hollister jumped out. She had heard of the accident through Mr. Adams and had made him bring her up.
After seeing Ethel for a few moments she rushed out and threw her arms about Nora.
“You are a dear brave girl,” she sobbed, kissing her. “You have saved Ethel’s life. Never while I live shall I forget it.”
“Nor I,” broke in Uncle John, grasping the hands of the girl. “Miss Nora, you’re a fine young woman and your father has cause to be proud of his daughter.”