For your
lives!" And the brave man galloped off, his retreat followed by a
startled rush for safety on the part of the men.
"Come along, George! What are you after?" cried Matthew, observing
that his friend did not budge.
"I'm not going till I've settled this mine," Fairburn answered.
Even as they spoke the ground heaved with a mighty convulsion beneath
their feet, and an appalling roar rent the air, the echo resounding
far and near.
"Ah! You're feeling better? That's right."
George Fairburn opened his eyes and beheld the face of none other than
the Duke himself gazing kindly down upon him! It was the evening after
the fearful explosion, and Marlborough was making a tour of the
hospital wards, where lay long rows of wounded men. George had been
unconscious, and the Duke's words were caused by the fact that the
young man happened to open his eyes for the first time as the General
passed him. Before the sick man could answer a word, Marlborough had
passed on, with a quiet remark to Major Wilson, "I know the lad's face
well."
"Where's Blackett?" George now inquired. The Major shook his head.
"And the Colonel?" Another mournful shake. George closed his eyes
dazed, stupefied.
Three hundred poor fellows had perished in that double explosion.
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