"I hope we are not going to have a sick lady on our hands," said Sir George to the Doctor, after his final visit.
"I hope so, too," was the reply. "Ague is difficult to control when once established, but, taken at the start, it can be broken. Fortunately, this is her first attack. She will be better to-morrow."
"Perhaps we had better leave her for a day or two to rest and recuperate. I will speak to Manning about it. What say you?"
"Why not let to-morrow's report decide?" said the Doctor. "I could tell better after seeing her again."
The spot chosen for the camp was well protected, the temperature mild for February, and all slept soundly. The bugle sounded at break of day and the whole camp was astir. It was unusual for the officers to rise as early as the men, but the keynote of Helen's illness roused them, and the first question put by each was concerning the condition of the patient.
Captain Cummings, with a crutch, was hobbling about for the first time, and insisted on swinging along with the Doctor to make inquiry.
The report was favorable. Helen had slept a little. The other women were up, and a good fire was burning.
"How is Madam now?" the Doctor asked of Harold.
"Her head is still aching. You had better see her."
"What about resuming the journey?" he asked, after looking closely into her face.
"By rule, in the army, all must travel, and I have will enough to abide by it," she answered, wearily.
"There is no rule for you unless you are well able to follow it," he returned with a smile.
"But how could I possibly remain behind?"
"You might stay for a time at Hull, across the river."
"That won't do," she exclaimed, the tears starting. "I am better now, and can stand it very well. The worst is that my ears buzz and my head aches, but when out in the air again these will pass away."
"Don't be alarmed about the ears," said the Doctor, cheerily; "that comes from the medicine I gave to stop the chill."
Turning to Harold he had a brief conference with him.
"I have a plan that might answer," he suggested.
"Sir George will do anything that is necessary," returned Harold.
"Well, it is this. The newest sled will hold four people. We can retain it here with the best team. Madam can lie where she is until noon. Then you and I and the driver will remain with her and, starting early in the afternoon, overtake the troops by night."