Follow a Stranger

nearby. She found that the blood had apparently come from

somewhere else, since the child was not hurt at all, only

shocked into a state of complete dull disbelief. Kate stripped

off the blood-soaked dress, washed the child gently and

wrapped her up warmly in a blanket before giving her a

small glass of pure glucose and water. The little girl

coughed, made a disgusted face, but seemed less stupefied

as the glucose took effect. Kate patted her cheek, smiled and

went on to an old man who needed help.

She worked for what seemed like hours until she found

that Marc was at her side, taking her arm.

“The doctor is here, with the Sisters from the convent at

Epilison. They will cope from now on—come home, Kate.

You look worn out.”

She straightened wearily, pushing back a damp lank of

hair from her perspiring forehead. Her back ached, her

head was throbbing. Without a word she let him guide her

out of the crowded house.

The doctor turned and smiled at her, shaking his head,

and speaking severely, but with a great warmth and

kindness in his black eyes. The two nuns with him nodded,

like smiling children, their pale smooth faces approving.

Marc slid his arm around Kate, as she swayed a little.

“The doctor says you are a silly girl, but very brave and

very kind. You have done sterling work tonight, but now

you must rest.”

She managed to return the doctor’s smile, then Marc had

lead her out of the house, and the cool freshness of the night

hit her like wine, making her head swim.

“Hey,” Marc caught her, as she stumbled drunkenly, “you