hint dropped by the Hermit in other days, had
instituted a search for buried papers, which resulted in the unearthing
of a tin box containing various documents. She had insisted, too, that
the rough furniture should go, and it was piled in the front of the
wagon. Another man had brought out the old pack mare for the baggage of
the original fishing party, and the whole cavalcade moved off before the
sun had got above the horizon.

But it was a tedious journey. Dr. Anderson sat beside his patient,
watching the feeble action of the heart and the flickering pulse, plying
him with stimulants and nourishment, occasionally calling a halt for a
few minutes' complete rest. Close to the wheel Dick Stephenson rode, his
eyes scarcely leaving his father's face. On the other side, Norah and
her father rode in silent, miserable anxiety, fretting at their utter
helplessness. Dr. Anderson glanced sharply now and then at the little
girl's face.

"This isn't good for her," he said at length quietly to Mr. Linton.
"She's had too much already. Take her home." He raised his voice. "You'd
better go on," he said; "let Mrs. Brown know just what is coming; she'll
need you to help her prepare the patient's room, Norah. You, too,
Stephenson."

"I won't leave him, thanks," he said. "I'd rather not--he might become
conscious."

"No chance of that," the doctor said, "best not, too, until we have him
safely in bed. However, stay if you like--perhaps it's as well. I think,
Linton, you'd better send a wire to Melbourne for a trained nurse."

"And one to mother," Dick said quickly.

"That's gone already," Mr. Linton said. "I sent George back with it last
night when he brought the mare out." He smiled in answer to Dick's
grateful look. "Well, come on, Norah."

The remembrance of that helpless form in the bottom of the wagon haunted
Norah's memory all through the remainder of the ride home. She was
thoroughly tired now--excitement that had kept her up the day before had
prevented her from sleeping, and she scarcely could keep upright in the
saddle. However, she set her teeth to show no sign of weakness that
should alarm her father, and endeavoured to have a smile for him
whenever his anxious gaze swept her white face.

The relief of seeing the red roof of home! That last mile was the
longest of all--and when at length they were at the gate, and she had
climbed stiffly off her pony, she could only lean against his shoulder
and shake from head to f