after our horses. I'll see you soon--I reckon a leetle sooner than you
care to see me."

Ralph Colleton good humoredly assured him that could not the case, and
with friendly gripe of the hand, they parted.




CHAPTER IX.

MORE OF THE DRAMATIS PERSONÆ.


In a few days, so much for the proper nursing of Mark Forrester, and of
the _soi-disant medico_ of the village, Ralph Colleton was able to make
his appearance below, and take his place among the _habitués_ of the
hotel. His wound, slight at first, was fortunate in simple treatment and
in his own excellent constitution. His bruises gave him infinitely more
concern, and brought him more frequent remembrances of the adventure in
which they were acquired. A stout frame and an eager spirit, impatient
of restraint, soon enabled our young traveller to conquer much of the
pain and inconvenience which his hurts gave him, proving how much the
good condition of the physical man depends upon the will. He lifted
himself about in five days as erectly as if nothing had occurred, and
was just as ready for supper, as if he had never once known the loss of
appetite. Still he was tolerably prudent and did not task nature too
unreasonably. His exercises were duly moderated, so as not to irritate
anew his injuries. Forrester was a rigid disciplinarian, and it was only
on the fifth day after his arrival, and after repeated entreaties of his