“The ball has struck him in the side.”
said Bowen. “I guess its about all over
with the Britisher.”
At tiie sound of these words of evil
import. Cora Leslie opened her eyes,
and. beholding the bleeding and pros
trate form of her lover, Hung herself
on her knees at his feet.
“Gilbert. Gilbert!” she cried: “dead;
and lam the cause of this.” The mu
latto placed his hand upon the breast
of the wounded man.
“Tiie heart beats, though.faintly.” he
said; “dear mistress, he will be saved.”
“Will you allow him to be carried to
vour father’s villa. Miss Leslie?” said
Mortimer; “I will accompany you
thither.”
“Ah, Mr. Percy.” exclaimed Cora,
“you are all goodness.”
*“A hundred dollars for your trouble.
Bowen, if you'll assist us in' carrying
this poor fellow to the boat,” said Mor
timer.
“A hundred dollars— l m your manP
I replied the American. “You’ 11
me. Mr. Horton, business is business,
you know.” he added, to Augustus.
Mortimer Percy and the mulatto
gathered together several strong
branches from the fallen wood K ing
beneath the trees, and twisted them
into a rude litter on which they laid
the unconscious Englishman.
One end of this litter was carried by
Toby, the other by William Boweii.
Cora and Mortimer'walking by the side
of the wounded man.
In this order they started for the
lauding-pfece. w here Gilbert's boat w as
to await them.
Augustus Horton stood for some mo
ments watching their receding figures
in the moonlight.
