ice tent Cameron's attention was
arrested by the sign "Hospital" upon a large double-roofed tent set on a
wooden floor and guyed with more than ordinary care.

"Wonder if old Martin is anywhere about," he said to himself as he rode
across to the open door.

"Is Dr. Martin in?" he enquired of a Chinaman, who appeared from a tent
at the rear.

"Doc Matin go 'way 'long tlain."

"When will he come back?" demanded Cameron.

"Donno. See missy woman."

So saying, he disappeared into the tent while Cameron waited.

"You wish to see the doctor? He has gone west. Oh! Why, it--"

Cameron was off his horse, standing with his hat in one hand, the other
outstretched toward the speaker.

"Why! it cannot be!--it is--my patient." The little nurse had his hand
in both of hers. "Oh, you great big monster soldier! Do you know how
fine you look?"

"No," replied Cameron, "but I do know how perfectly fine you look."

"Well, don't devour me. You look dangerous."

"I should truly love one little bite."

"Oh, Mr. Cameron, stop! You terrible man! Right in the open street!" The
little nurse's cheeks flamed red as she quickly glanced about her. "What
would Dr. Martin say?"

"Dr. Martin!" Cameron laughed. "Besides, I couldn't help it."

"Oh, I am so glad!"

"Thank you," said Cameron.

"I mean I am so glad to see you. They told us you would be coming
to join us. And now they are gone. What a pity! They will be so
disappointed."

"Who, pray, will be thus blighted?"

"Oh, the doctor I mean, and--and"--here her eyes danced
mischievously--"the other nurse, of course. But you will be going west?"

"No, south, to-day, and in a few minutes. Here comes the Inspector. May
I present him?"

The little nurse's snapping eyes glowed with pleasure as they ran over
the tall figure of the Inspector and rested upon his fine clean-cut
face. The Inspector had just made his farewell to the Sergeant
preparatory to an immediate departure, but it was a full half hour
before they rose from the dainty tea table where the little nurse had
made them afternoon tea from her own dainty tea set.

"It makes me think of home," said the Inspector with a sigh as he bent
over the little nurse's hand in gratitude. "My first real afternoon tea
in ten years."

"Poor man!" said the nurse. "Come again."

"Ah, if I could!"

"But YOU are coming?" said the little nurse to Cameron as he held her
hand in farewell. "I heard the doctor say you were coming and we ar