And the white sheet under him was red with blood.

It had trickled over the edges and to the floor.

His eyes were loosely closed.

After the first shock Doctor Marston reacted swiftly.

He bent over Rossland, and in that moment, when his back was toward them, Captain Rifle's eyes met Alan's.
The same thought--and in another instant disbelief--flashed from one to the other.
Marston was speaking, professionally cool now.