“What the demon had that to do with it?”

“I could not go on, sir, and leave you under such circumstances.”

“Look here, young sir!” said the Iron King, speaking hoarsely, faintly, yet with strong determination.  “Do you call yourself a soldier or a shirk?  Let me tell you that it is the first duty of a soldier to obey orders, at all times, under all circumstances, and at all costs!  If you had been a married man, and your wife had been dying—­if you had been a father, and your child had been dying, it would have been your duty to leave them!”

“But, sir, there was no real need that I should go by this night’s express.  If I should start to-morrow morning, I shall be in good time to report for duty.  It was only my zeal to be better than prompt which induced me to start earlier than necessary.  To-morrow will be quite time enough to leave for New York.”

“Very well; then go to-morrow by the first train,” said the Iron King in a more subdued manner, for the sedative was beginning to take effect.

At a hint from the doctor the young lieutenant bade his grandfather good-night and softly stepped out of the room.

CHAPTER XXV.

THE SICK LION.

Early the next morning Dr. Cummins came down stairs and joined the family at the breakfast table.

In answer to anxious inquiries, he reported that Mr. Rockharrt had slept well during the night, and had just taken refreshment prepared by old Martha under the physician’s own orders, and had composed himself to sleep again.

“He would not admit any of us last night.  Will he see me this morning?” inquired Rose Rockharrt.

“Of course, after a little while.  It was best that I and the old nurse should have watched him alone together last night, but the woman now needs rest, and I must presently take leave, to look after my other patients.  You two ladies must take the watch to-day, with one of these gentlemen within call.  I will give you full directions for my patient’s treatment, and will see him again in the afternoon.”

“Does my father’s present condition admit of my leaving him to go and look after the works this morning?” inquired Mr. Fabian, who had spent the night at Rockhold.

“Yes,” replied the doctor, after some little hesitation.  “Yes; I think so.  If your presence here should be absolutely needed, you can be promptly summoned, you know; but one of you should remain on guard.”

“Clarence will stay home, then,” replied Mr. Fabian.

“Doctor, you heard my grandfather order me to leave Rockhold this morning to join my regiment.  Now, what do you think?  May I see him before I go?” inquired the young lieutenant.

“I will let you know when he wakes,” said Dr. Cummins.

“Must you leave us to-day, Sylvan?  Could you not be excused under the circumstances?” inquired Mrs. Rockharrt.