"But I cannot wait," returned the lieutenant very decidedly, and he
shook off the man, and began to ascend the stairs.
An instant later there was a double scream on the floor above, and Mrs.
Passford rushed down the steps, followed by Florry. Christy retreated to
the hall, and a moment later he was folded in the arms of his mother and
sister, both of whom were kissing him at the same time.
"But, my son, your arm is in a sling!" exclaimed Mrs. Passford, falling
back with an expression of consternation on her face.
"You are wounded, Christy!" cried Florry, as a flood of tears came into
her eyes.
"Only a scratch, mother; don't be alarmed," protested the lieutenant.
"It was all nonsense to send me home on a furlough; but it was the
commander's order, at the recommendation of Dr. Linscott."
"But you are wounded, my son," persisted his mother.
"You have been shot in the arm, Christy," added Florry.
"But I was not shot through the head or the heart; it is not a bit of
use to make a fuss about it; and Paul Vapoor was not wounded, for he had
to stay in the engine room during the action, and he is as hearty as a
buck," rattled the lieutenant, and making his pretty sister blush like a
fresh rose.
"I am really worried about it, my son. Where is the wound?" asked his
mother.
"Here, Charley, tell them all about it," called Christy to his
companion, who had been forgotten in the excitement of the moment.
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