“Impossible.”

“The doctor says he may live for several days, but it may be only for hours.  If you could see his face light up when he speaks of her, you would realize what a comfort her presence would be to him.”

“I understand that, Patsy.  But can’t you see, my dear, that we’re not able to do everything for those poor wounded soldiers?  You have twenty in your charge now, and by to-night there may be possibly a dozen more.  Many of them have wives at home, but—­”

“But all are not dying, Uncle—­and after only five months of married life, three of which they passed together.  Here, at least, is one brave heart we may comfort, one poor woman who will be ever grateful for our generous kindness.”

Mr. Merrick coughed.  He wiped his eyes and blew his nose on his pink bordered handkerchief.  But he made no promise.

Patsy left him and went to Ajo.

“See here,” she said; “I’m going to Charleroi in an hour.”

“It’s a day’s journey, Patsy.”

“I mean I’m going to start in an hour.  Will you go with me?”

“What does Uncle John say?” he inquired cautiously.

“I don’t care what he says.  I’m going!” she persisted, her eyes blazing with determination.

The boy whistled softly, studying her face.  Then he walked across the deck to Mr. Merrick.

“Patsy is rampant, sir,” said he.  “She won’t be denied.  Go and argue with her, please.”

“I have argued,” returned Uncle John weakly.

“Well, argue again.”

The little man cast a half frightened, half reproachful glance at his niece.

“Let’s go and consult the doctor,” he exclaimed, and together Uncle John and Ajo went below.

To their surprise, Gys supported Patsy’s plea.

“He’s a fine fellow, this Denton,” said he, “and rather above the average soldier.  Moreover, his case is a pitiful one.  I’ll agree to keep him alive until his wife comes.”

Uncle John looked appealingly at Ajo.

“How on earth can we manage to cross the lines?” he asked.

“Take one of our launches,” said the boy.

“Skim the coast to Ostend, and you’ll avoid danger altogether.”

“That’s the idea!” exclaimed the doctor approvingly.  “Why, it’s the easiest thing in the world, sir.”

Uncle John began to feel slightly reassured.

“Who will run the launch?” he inquired.

“I’ll give you the captain and one of the men,” said the boy.  “Carg’s an old traveler and knows more than he appears to.  Besides, he speaks German.  We can’t spare very many, you understand, and the ambulances will keep Maurie and me pretty busy.  Patsy will be missed, too, from the hospital ward, so you must hurry back.”

“Two days ought to accomplish our object,” said Uncle John.

“Easily,” agreed Gys.  “I’ve arranged for a couple of girls from the town to come and help us to-day, for I must save the strength of my expert nurses as much as possible, and I’ll keep them with us until you return.  The French girls are not experienced in nursing, but I’ll take Miss Patsy’s watch myself, so we shall get along all right.”