the red cross girl(红十字姑娘)-第57章
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empty; dismantled cabins in which he might hide。 To my inquiries no one
gave heed。 In the confusion of departure no one had observed him; no one
was in a humor to seek him out; the passengers were pressing to the
gangway; the stewards concerned only in counting their tips。 From deck to
deck; down lane after lane of the great floating village; I raced blindly;
peering into half…opened doors; pushing through groups of men; pursuing
some one in the distance who appeared to be the man I sought; only to find
he was unknown to me。 When I returned to the gangway the last of the
passengers was leaving it。
I was about to follow to seek for Talbot in the customs shed when a
white…faced steward touched my sleeve。 Before he spoke his look told me
why I was wanted。
〃The ship's surgeon; sir;〃 he stammered; 〃asks you please to hurry to
the sick…bay。 A passenger has shot himself!〃
On the bed; propped up by pillows; young Talbot; with glazed;
shocked eyes; stared at me。 His shirt had been cut away; his chest lay bare。
Against his left shoulder the doctor pressed a tiny sponge which quickly
darkened。
I must have exclaimed aloud; for the doctor turned his eyes。
〃It was HE sent for you;〃 he said; 〃but he doesn't need you。
Fortunately; he's a damned bad shot!〃
The boy's eyes opened wearily; before we could prevent it he spoke。
〃I was so tired;〃 he whispered。 〃Always moving me on。 I was so
tired!〃
Behind me came heavy footsteps; and though with my arm I tried to
bar them out; the two detectives pushed into the doorway。 They shoved me
to one side and through the passage made for him came the Jew in the
sable coat; Mr。 Adolph Meyer。
For an instant the little great man stood with wide; owl…like eyes;
staring at the face on the pillow。
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THE RED CROSS GIRL
Then he sank softly to his knees。 In both his hands he caught the hand
of the card…sharp。
〃Heine!〃 he begged。 〃Don't you know me? It is your brother Adolph;
your little brother Adolph!〃
End of the Project Gutenberg Etext of The Red Cross Girl by Richard
Harding Davis
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