There-thank you, Bruce, that will do--let her come along in now."
And as Carrington quitted the room, Norton drew himself up on the
pillows and faced the door. "This is worth several beatings,
Betty!" he exclaimed as she appeared on the threshold. But much
cotton and many bandages lent him a rather fearful aspect, and
Betty paused with a little gasp of dismay. "I'm lots better than
I look, I expect," said Norton. "Couldn't you arrange to come a
little closer?" he added, laughing.

He bent to kiss the hand she gave him, but groaned with the
exertion. Then he looked up into her face and saw her eyes
swimming with tears.

"What--tears? Tears for me, Betty?" and he was much moved.

"It's a perfect outrage! Who did it, Charley?" she asked.

"You sit down and I'll tell you all about it," said Norton
happily.

"Now tell me, Charley!" when she had seated her. self.

"Who fetched you, Betty--old Tom?"

"No, I came alone."

"Well, it's mighty kind of you. I'll be all right in a day or
so. What did you hear?--that I'd been attacked and half-killed?"

"Yes--and robbed."