Part 42 (1/2)

”Going on slowly, but well Don't excite hiood-bye What do you think?”

”As long as he doesn't get excited,” was the rather dubious answer

”Co”

The hospital at Ezulas rather full just then with victi, and the nurses were busyabout the place was so bright and cheerful that the casual visitor al-rooestive of cool drinks than of bloodshed Not here was it, however, that they were to find Harry Stride

”Well, Stride, old chap, how are you getting on?” said Denha the sick man's listless hand

”Oh, I don't know; they say I'll pull through, but I'o and pump some more lead into those swine, and it'll be all over while I' _there_,” said Denha if it hadn't been for you,” answered the other earnestly

”Oh, that's all in the tug-of-war,” rejoined Denham ”We don't count that at all You'd have done the same for me--we'd all have done the same for each other, of course But I couldn't clear out without saying good-bye, and seeing how you were getting on”

”You're awfully good, Denham; but I don't believe I should have done the same if the positions were reversed”

”Yes, you would And look here, Stride, you needn't think that I haven't sy so from the very circumstances themselves?”

Stride was silent for a few moments Then he said--

”I believe I've behaved like a cur, Denham If you really did hat I suspected, I' here I've been thinking things over”

”Well, in that case you may take it froravely

”I'll swear it was Well, it's awfully good of you to find ti of all days, and I appreciate it”

Denha his hand upon that of the other, ”I o now, time presses But, Stride, old chap, I want you to pro, and that is that if ever you are in want of a friend you will remember you have the best of that article here For instance, prospecting is precarious work, and, I'm told, often very hand-to-mouth

Now, I happen to be one of those fortunate people who is frequently in a position to be of use to his fellow-creatures, and if ever you find yourself in any strait you must apply to me There are often fairly comfortable bunks I can slide people into Noill you?”

”Yes, I will You are awfully good, Denhaet well until it's too late to go and get yourself half killed over again”

A hearty handshake, a pleasant nod and a sone

But Stride called hiood wish?”

”Certainly, old chap, certainly”

The arrival of theman had been a source of boundless surprise