lesh is much torn where the ball passed out; but
that will heal in time."

The doctor's task was done. Nap had set a plate of food within reach of
the stranger's left hand, and he was devouring it like a hungry wolf.

"Now, sir," said the good doctor, when the meal was finished, "I should
like to hear how you came by that ugly wound. I can't deny that things
look suspicious. I know everybody, high and low, rich and poor, for miles
in every direction, and so need no proof that you do not belong to the
neighborhood."

"No; a party of us, from New Orleans last, came out to visit this
beautiful region. We were roaming through a forest yesterday, looking for
game, when I somehow got separated from the rest, lost my way, darkness
came on, and wondering hither and thither in the vain effort to find my
comrades, tumbling over logs and fallen trees, scratched and torn by
brambles, almost eaten up by mosquitos, I thought I was having a dreadful
time of it. But worse was to come; for I presently found myself in a swamp
up to my knees in mud and water, and in the pitchy darkness tumbling over
another fallen tree, struck my revolver, which I had foolishly been
carrying in my coat pocket: it went off and shot me in the arm, as you
see. That must have been early in the night; and what with loss of blood,
pain, fatigue, and long fasting, I had but little strength when daylight
came and I could see to get out of swamp and woods, and come on here."

The doctor listened in silence, his face telling nothing of his thoughts.

"A bad business," he said, rising and beginning to draw on his gloves.
"You are not fit to travel, but are welcome to stay here for the present;
had better lie down on the sofa there and take a nap while I am away
visiting my patients. Nap, clean the mud and blood from the gentleman's
clothes; take his boots out and clean them too; and see that he doesn't
want for attention while I am gone. Good-morning, sir; make yourself at
home." And the doctor walked out, giving Nap a slight sign to follow him.

"Nap," he said, when they were out of ear-shot of the stranger, "watch
that man and keep him here if possible, till I come back."

"Yes, sah."

Nap went back into the office while the doctor mounted and rode away.

"Humph," he said, half aloud, as he cantered briskly along, "took me for a
fool, did he? thought I couldn't tell where the shot went in and where it
came out, or where it would go in or out if caused in t