I thought he was going to flash cut again in his anger; but though his
brow wrinkled up, it was only with a puzzled look; and then he looked
alarmed, for I sank back half fainting, and for a few moments everything
before me was misty.
But it passed off as I felt a vessel of cold water at my lips; and
directly after I came quite to myself.
"What is it?" he said anxiously. "You are ill."
"Your hand was pressing my wounded shoulder," I said rather faintly.
"My dear Gil!" he cried, as he took and pressed my hand, "I did not
know."
"Of course not," I said, smiling. "It is long healing. I'm better now.
It was very weak and cowardly of me to turn so. There," I cried, with
an attempt at being merry; "you see what a poor officer I should make."
"You cowardly!" he cried. "It is wonderful how you have recovered so
quickly. But, come, it is getting late, and we have a long journey
back. Go and put on your uniform."
"I cannot," I said sadly.
"I am not asking you to say `Yes' now," he continued calmly. "I only
wish you to appear before my people worthily dressed as my friend, and
ready to enter my city."
"You want to take me with you?" I said quickly.
"Yes; you will share my howdah. It is you I care for as my friend. I
do not care for your clothes; but my people would think it strange."