"Rise up, my lad," said Edward, "and let me see if I can be of any
use."
"Ah, no!" cried the boy, throwing back his long hair from his temples,
"he bleeds to death!"
"Bring me some water, quick," said Edward, "there's a good lad, while
I see where he is hurt."
The boy ran up to fetch the water, and Edward discovered that the ball
had entered the neck above the collar-bone, and that the blood poured
out of the man's mouth, who was choking with the effusion. Although
ignorant of surgery, Edward thought that such a wound must be mortal;
but the man was not only alive but sensible, and although he could not
utter a word, he spoke with his eyes and with signs. He raised his
hand and pointed to himself first, and shook his head, as if to say
that it was all over with him; and then he turned round his head, as
if looking for the lad, who was now returning with the water. When the
lad again knelt by his side, weeping bitterly, the man pointed to him,
and gave such an imploring look that Edward immediately comprehended
what he wished: it was to ask protection for the boy. It could not be
misunderstood, and could Edward do otherwise than promise it to the
dying man? His generous nature could not refuse it, and he said, "I
understand you; you wish me to take care of your boy when you are
gone.
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