The jagged stone fell to the ground.
"Thank you, old fellow," he cried, springing to his feet.

"I can't show my gratitude to you in any substantial way at present--but God bless you, just the same." He dropped down on the rock again and hid his face in his hands.

Another moment and the kindhearted trooper might have been lying face downwards in the muddy ground around the spring.

It had been only touch-and-go, but the man's warm Irish heart had saved him.
"Oh, that's all right, sir," O'Connell answered freely.

"Sure an' _I'd_ like to see ye get through, though I ain't the Gineral.