yle
slip an arm beneath his neck.

"Bring water, somebody! Ask Miss Carrington for brandy--don't tell her
what it's for," he said. "Hurry, he's either in a fit or choking."

A man brought the spirits, and Lyle mopped Carrington's forehead with a
wetted handkerchief, which was probably of no great benefit, while when
with the assistance of somebody I managed to open his clenched teeth and
pour a little brandy down his throat a faint sign of returning sense crept
into his eyes. He looked at us in a puzzled manner, saying in short gasps,
"Lorimer and Lyle! You shall not--I tell you!"

I believe this was the last time he ever recognized us. When his face
grew expressionless, Lyle who laid him back again, turned to me.

"Did you notice that he moved as though he had no power in his left side?"
he said. "Foster and Broomfield, come here and help me. Armadale, you go
and tell Miss Carrington tactfully."

We left consternation behind us when after the return of the unwilling
Armadale we carried the Colonel into his great bedroom where he lay
breathing stertorously while Foster remained to assist his sister. Then
the murmurs broke out as I returned, and each man looked at his neighbor
in dismay, until there was once more stillness when dressed in some
clinging white fabric Grace stood with a stern, cold face in the doorway.

"You have spoken sufficient for one day," she said, and some of those who
heard her afterward observed how like her voice was to her father's.
"Enough to kill my father between you. May I ask you, now that you can do
no more, to leave this house in quietness."

The climax had filled them with consternation. They had acted in all
honesty, and I cannot think they were to blame, but the riders of
Carrington, stalwart, courageous men, slunk out like beaten dogs under the
gaze of the girl. When they had gone, she beckoned me.

"Ride hard to the railroad, and don't return without a doctor from
Winnipeg. I wish to hear no excuses or explanations. Every moment is
precious--go!"

I went, much as did the others, and found Lyle who looked very shamefaced
fumbling with his saddle cinch outside.

"It's an unfortunate business, but of course we never expected such a
sending--heaven forbid!" he said. "Well, if the wires will do it we'll
bring out the best doctor they've got in Winnipeg. With all respect to
them I shouldn't like to be Foster left behind to face those two women.
Go home, and abuse me for making an