our country-surgeon was quite equal to the case, and soon enabled him to
put the mind of Mark Forrester, who was honestly and humanely anxious,
at perfect rest on the subject of his unknown charge. With the dressing
of his wound, and the application of restoratives, the consciousness of
the youth returned, and he was enabled to learn how he had been
discovered, where he was, and to whom he was indebted for succor in the
moment of his insensibility.

Ralph Colleton, of course, declared his gratitude in warm and proper
terms; but, as enjoined by the physician, he was discouraged from all
unnecessary speech. But he was not denied to listen, and Forrester was
communicative, as became his frank face and honest impulses. The brief
questions of Ralph obtained copious answers; and, for an hour, the
woodman cheered the solitude of his chamber, by the narration of such
matters as were most likely to interest his hearer, in respect to the
new region where he was, perforce, kept a prisoner. Of Chestatee, and
the people thereof, their employment, and the resources of the
neighborhood, Forrester gave a pretty correct account; though he
remained prudently silent in regard to the probable parties to that
adventure in which his hearer had received his hurt.

From speaking of these subjects, the transition was natural to the cause
of uproar going on below stairs. The sounds of the hubbub penetrated the
chamber of the wounded man, and he expressed some curiosity in respect
to it. This was enough for the woodman, who had partially informed
himself, by a free conversation with the wagoner who drove the vehicle
which brought Ralph to the tavern. He had caught up other details as he
hurried to and fro, when he ran for the doctor. He was thus prepared to
satisfy the youth's inquiry.