224
WYLDER'S HAJVD
den. Perhaps others were thinking the same of Rachel.
Next morning, at half-past seven o'clock, a dozen or so
of rustics, under command of Major Jackson, arrived at
the hack entrance of Brandon Hall, bearing Stanley Lake
upon a shutter, with glassy eyes, that did not seem to see,
sunken face, and a very blue tinge about his mouth.
The Major fussed into the house, and saw and talked
with Larcom, who was solemn and bland upon the sub-
ject, and went out, first to make personal inspection of
the Captain, who seemed to him to be dying. He was
shot somewhere in the shoulder or breast — they could
not see exactly where, nor disturb him as he lay. A
good deal of blood had flowed from him, upon the arm
and side of one of the men who supported his head.
Lake said nothing — he only whispered rather indis-
tinctly one word, '; water " — and was not able to lift his
head when it came; and when they poured it into and
over his lips, he sighed and closed his eyes.
"It is not a bad sign, bleeding so freely, but he looks
devilish shaky, you see. I've seen lots of our fellows
hit, you know, and I don't like his looks — poor fellow.
You'd better see Lord Chelford this minute. He could
not stand being brought all the way to the town. I'll
run down and send up the doctor, and he'll take him on
if he can bear it."
The Major surprised Doctor Buddle shaving. He
popped in unceremoniously. The fat little doctor received
him in drawers and a very tight web worsted shirt,
standing by the window, at which dangled a small looking-
glass.
"By George, sir, they've been at mischief," burst forth
the Major; and the Doctor, razor in hand, listened with
wide open eyes and half his face lathered, to the story.
Before it was over the Doctor shaved the unshorn side,