This page has been proofread, but needs to be validated.
THE BOMBARDMENT OF TIEN-TSIN
209

lower voice, "I am sorry that you, too, are disappointed."

"How do you know I am disappointed?"

"You were in hopes that my husband was better, and could give you more information about Ramsey Polk. Is that not so?"

"To tell the truth, it is. But—well, we will drop that now, and hope everything comes out right in the end."

The Bartletts wished Gilbert to wait and have some refreshments; but his time was limited, and he soon took his departure. As he hurried back to camp, he fell into a brown study.

"Matters don't look as bright as they did," he soliloquized. "Even if Mr. Bartlett gets well physically, his mind may be affected; and in that case his evidence in my favor won't count. And, if he gets down to Taku and Nuggy Polk finds him, that rascal will probably do all he can to worry the poor man to death."