He scanned the card closely and read: “‘William Jones, Physician and Surgeon,’ A very plain, inoffensive name. I will receive Doctor Jones; he may be able to render some assistance at the hospital. Show him up to the reception-room, Juan. Hold a minute,” he said, turning the card over; “here is a message written on the back.”
“Your Honor,” it began, “I wish to offer my professional services. Let me help care for the wounded and dying. Call me. I am your servant.”
“Those are noble sentiments. I will receive him immediately. Miss Hinckley, remain with friend Julio until I return,” concluded Guillermo Gonzales, as he arose to leave the room. Julio Murillo detained him by saying: “Doctor Jones has no doubt made this call partly to find out my condition. I will consider it a favor if you let him come to this room, and I insist that Miss Hinckley remain.”
“As you like, friend Julio. You know your condition better than anyone else. If you do not fear any evil results from having this stranger present, Juan may show the visitor here, to this room,” concluded Guillermo Gonzales.
No sooner had Juan disappeared from the room, than a light tap was heard on the door. Helen Hinckley opened it quietly and his Honor stepped into the room.
He clasped her hand warmly, and said in tones only heard by herself: “My soul, my life, my preserver! I must speak to you alone. When and where? I want to know now.”
“When the interview at hand is over, I will take you to our retreat, found this morning. Hark! they are coming,” concluded Miss Hinckley, going slowly with the Governor to the bed on which lay the wounded scientist.
Señor Guillermo Gonzales greeted the Governor cordially, and explained the condition of Julio.
The Governor sympathized heartily with the sufferer, and assured him that the mere fact of his escape from death, or rather of his being wounded in the affray, would serve as proof of the real intentions of the rebels, and be a means of helping to bring the trouble to an early end.
“I have for the last two hours been closeted with the officers of war, and constantly in receipt of messages from Washington. The Government is determined to put down these small cliques of rebels. The condition of affairs in some of the States east of the Mississippi River is worse than in our own city. The President will arrive in the national capital to-morrow night, and a council of war will be held immediately. Instantly the result will be made known to us. There is much, much to be talked about; but the condition of our friend Julio must be the first consideration. Ah! here comes some one. Who can be intruding on the wounded one?” concluded the Governor.