But I couldn't do it so long; I got sick and
faint after a while, and I knew well enough it was death. So I dropped
down while I'd sense left to check the horse and get out of saddle in
silence. I hoped you wouldn't miss me, in the darkness and the noise the
wind was making; and you didn't hear me then, sir. I was glad."
His voice was checked in a quick, gasping breath; his only thought had
been to lie down and die in the solitude so that his master might be
saved.
A great sob shook Cecil as he heard; no false hope came to him; he felt
that this man was lost to him forever, that this was the sole recompense
which the cruelty of Africa would give to a fidelity passing the
fidelity of woman; these throes of dissolution the only payment with
which fate would ever requite a loyalty that had held no travail weary,
no exile pain, and no danger worthy counting, so long as they were
encountered and endured in his own service.
"Don't take on about it, sir," whispered Rake, striving to raise his
head that he might strain his eyes better through the gloom to see
his master's face. "It was sure to come some time; and I ain't in no
pain--to speak of. Do leave me, Mr. Cecil--leave me, for God's sake, and
save yourself!"
"Did you leave me?"
The answer was very low, and his voice shook as he uttered it; but
through the roar of the hurricane Rake heard it.
"That was different, sir," he said simply. "Let me lie here, and go you
on.
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