"It's more than a theory--it's a truth--that people suffer more because of other people than on account of themselves.
We're born to it and we keep it up, inflicting a thousand pricks and a thousand sorrows to gain one selfish end and it isn't once in a hundred times that the boomerang comes home and strikes the right one down.

But when it does--when it does, sir--" As suddenly as he had begun, the doctor stopped, and he laughed a little unnaturally.

"Bosh!" he exclaimed.

"Let's see that head of yours, Steele.

Speaking of pains and pricks reminds me that, being a surgeon, I may be of some assistance to you." Philip knew that he had checked himself with an effort, and as his new acquaintance began to loosen the bandage he found himself wondering what mysterious mission could have sent a Chicago surgeon up to Fort Smith.
The doctor interrupted his thoughts.
"Queer place for a blow," he said briskly.