The sufferer showed no sign of requiring or wishing anything more, and while his forlornness troubled me, I did not see that I could be of any service to him.
It was about the third day after his arrival that I caught his eye fixed on me, and it seemed to me with knowledge.

I went across and bent over him, then fell quickly to my knees beside him.
"Le Marchant! Is it possible ?" It was Carette's youngest brother, Helier.
"All that's left of him,--hull damaged," he said, with a feeble show of spirit.
"What's wrong ?" "A shot 'twixt wind and water--leaking a bit." "Does it hurt you to talk ?" He nodded to save words, but added, "Hurts more not to.

Thought you were dead." "I suppose so.

Now you must lie quiet, and I'll look after you.

But tell me--how were they all in Sercq the last you heard--my mother and grandfather--and Carette?
And how long is it since ?" "A month--all well, far as I know.