"
The fresh color swept into her cheeks.
"That is the only explanation possible, I am sure. See how the skirt
is stained, and the lace ruffle is almost torn off."
"Oh, well, don't worry; the Lieutenant has lost his natty appearance
also. Some villain slashed his coat its full length. However, I
accept your offer."
She ministered to me with womanly gentleness, parting the matted hair,
and cleansing the wound with water. While in no way serious it was an
ugly bruise, and required considerable attention. Sitting there on a
stool while she worked, I could hear Louis bustling about in the cabin,
but my mind was busy with a thousand matters requiring settlement. At
last I refused to be ministered to any longer, laughing at her desire
to bandage my head, and insisting that all I needed now was breakfast.
As we entered the cabin, the Lieutenant stood in Henley's door.
"I was looking for you, Craig," he said, coming forward, and bowing to
my companion. "Here is a newspaper clipping which may be of interest.
I found it on the deck."
I read it hastily, and, in silence handed it to her, watching her face
as she read. It was a local item describing the finding of a dead body
which could not be identified. The details of the man's appearance as
well as the clothes worn were carefully depicted, evidently in hope
someone might thus recognize the party.
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