"The houses have filled up already, I believe," she said, "but there is a
nice dry stable up the street which has just been cleaned out for a
hospital. Carry your master up the next square and then into the alley a
few steps where you will find a physician. I am going now for food and
bandages."
She hurried on, and Big Abel, seizing Dan beneath the arms, dragged him
breathlessly along the street.
"A stable! Huh! Hit's a wunner dey ain' ax us ter step right inter a nice
clean pig pen," he muttered as he walked on rapidly.
"Oh, I don't mind the stable, but this pace will kill me," groaned Dan.
"Not so fast, Big Abel, not so fast."
"Dis yer ain' no time to poke," replied Big Abel, sternly, and lifting the
young man in his arms, he carried him bodily into the stable and laid him
on a clean-smelling bed of straw. The place was large and well lighted, and
Dan, as he turned over, heaved a grateful sigh.
"Let me sleep--only let me sleep," he implored weakly.
And for two days he slept, despite the noise about him. Dressed in clean
clothes, brought by the lady of the morning, and shaved by the skilful hand
of Big Abel, he buried himself in the fresh straw and dreamed of Chericoke
and Betty. The coil of battle swept far from him; he heard none of the fret
and rumour that filled the little street; even the moans of the men beneath
the surgeons' knives did not penetrate to where he lay sunk in the stupor
of perfect contentment.
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