She put out her hand and gripped his in warm, strong, muscular fingers. “Thank God, yes God, if you like, you are still--still in this outer circle,”--she broke into a laugh, but there was little mirth in her laughter--“this good old outer circle, yet awhile.”
“Yes,” said Barry simply but very earnestly, “thank God. It is a good world. But with all my soul I believe there is a better, and all that is best in love and life we shall take with us. Good-night,” he added, “and thank you, at least for the will and the attempt to save my life.”
“I hope so,” he replied, “but I doubt it.”
His doubts, it turned out, were justified, for soon after midnight Mr. Howland was aroused by Harry Hobbs in a terror of excitement.
“Will you come to Mr. Dunbar, sir?” he cried. “I think he is dying.”
“Dying?” Mr. Howland was out of his cot immediately and at Barry's side. He found him fighting for breath, his eyes starting from his head, a look of infinite distress on his face.
“My dear boy, what is it? Hobbs says you are dying.”
“That con-con-founded--fool--shouldn't have--called you. I forbade--him,” gasped Barry.
“But, my dear boy, what is the matter? Are you in pain?”
“No, no,--it's--nothing--only an old--friend come back--for a call,--a brief one--let us--hope. It's only asthma. Looks bad--feels worse--but really--not at all dangerous.”
“What can be done, my boy?” asked Mr. Howland, greatly relieved, as are most laymen, when the trouble can be named. It is upon the terror inspired by the unknown that the medical profession lives.
“Tell Harry--to make--a hot drink,” said Barry, but Harry had already forestalled the request, and appeared with a steaming bowl. “This will--help. Now--go to--bed, Mr. Howland. Do, please.--You distress--me by remaining--there. Harry will--look after me. Good-night.”
Next morning Barry appeared at breakfast a little washed out in appearance, but quite bright and announcing himself fit for anything.
The incident, however, was a determining factor in changing the party's plans. Already they were behind their time schedule, to Mr. Cornwall Brand's disgust. The party was too large and too heavily encumbered with impedimenta for swift travel. Besides, as Paula said, “Why rush? Are we not doing the Peace River Country? We are out for a good time and we are having it.” Paula was not interested in mines and oil. She did not announce just what special interest was hers. She was “having a good time” and that was reason enough for leisurely travel. In consequence their provisions had run low.