hose whom he considered most in need of surgical care or
skillful nursing, and by noon the ambulance was filled to overflowing.
It was Jones who advised taking none of the fatally injured, as the army
surgeons paid especial attention to these. The Americans could be of
most practical use, the boy considered, by taking in charge such as had
a chance to recover. So nine more patients were added to the ship's
colony on this occasion, all being delivered to the care of Dr. Gys
without accident or delay--a fact that rendered Ajo quite proud of his
skillful driving.

While the ambulance was away the girls quietly passed from berth to
berth, encouraging and caring for their wounded. It was surprising how
interested they became in the personality of these soldiers, for each
man was distinctive either in individuality or the character of his
injury, and most of them were eager to chat with their nurses and
anxious for news of the battle.

During the morning the young Belgian who had lain until now in a
stupor, recovered consciousness. He had moaned once or twice, drawing
Maud to his side, but hearing a different sound from him she approached
the berth where he lay, to find his eyes wide open. Gradually he turned
them upon his nurse, as if feeling her presence, and after a moment of
observation he sighed and then smiled wanly.

"Still on earth?" he said in French.

"I am so glad," she replied. "You have been in dreamland a long time."

He tried to move and it brought a moan to his lips.

"Don't stir," she counseled warningly; "you are badly wounded."

He was silent for a time, staring at the ceiling. She held some water to
his lips and he drank eagerly. Finally he said in a faint voice:

"I remember, now. I had turned to reload and it hit me in the back. A
bullet, mademoiselle?"

"Part of a shell."

"Ah, I understand.... I tried to get to the rear. The pain was terrible.
No one seemed to notice me. At last I fell, and--then I slept. I
thought it was the end."

She bathed his forehead, saying:

"You must not talk any more at present. Here comes the doctor to see
you."

Gys, busy in the cabin, had heard their voices and now came to look at
his most interesting patient. The soldier seemed about twenty years of
age; he was rather handsome, with expressive eyes and features bearing
the stamp of culture. Already they knew his name, by means of an
identification card found upon him, as well as a small packet of letters