He Respects a Flag of Truce
be well stocked, the Irishman was able to accomplish much toward alleviating the sufferings of the stricken.
Two of them he relieved of lodged bullets; and concerning the remainder his mind was at rest with the double exception of Danny and the man with the torn chest. For them he knew not what to do; Danny's wound was so close upon the delicate regions of the brain that he dared not probe for the bullet; and the other was beyond help.
He told Chambret this, turning a face to the Frenchman that was lined deep with his mental trouble and with sorrow for the plight of his countryman.
"In sober truth," he declared, "I don't know what the divvle to do for them. 'Tis meself that's no angel to soothe their agonies."
Chambret, who had watched with growing admiration the Irishman as he moved about attending to the sufferers with a sympathy that seemed almost womanly and with hands as soft and gentle as a child's, smiled sadly, and shook his head.
"You have my sympathy, mon ami," he assured him; "but the fatal mistake lay in not bringing a surgeon."
"Faith, then," cried O'Rourke, "we'll just have to go for one!"
"Comment?" demanded Chambret, wondering if O'Rourke was out of his senses to suggest obtaining a surgeon's services in that howling wilderness.
"I say," repeated O'Rourke, "that these men shall have proper attention. If Monsieur l'Empereur"—he sneered slightly—"is to found his empire in the hearts of his servants he'll be obliged to turn the Eirene back to Las Palmas."
Chambret whistled.
"I prophesy trouble, monsieur, if that is the advice you will give his majesty."
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