"In your own bed, George. Do you feel better?" gently replied his sister.
"My poor back is broken. Did I—did I save them?"
"Yes, all escaped. Do you remember it?" said Fannie.
"Yes—yes, but never mind."
Raising his burned hand to Belle's, he said:
"You are so kind to remain with me," then closed his eyes as if exhausted. A spasmodic moan escaping him, he cried out:
"My back is broken! I shall be a cripple and a burden to my friends. Oh, why did I escape?"
His two companions tried to calm him. As Dr. Briar entered the apartment, George looked into his face and asked:
"Doctor, is my back broken?"
The kind-hearted physician did not reply, but soothed him with encouraging words.