"Oh, don't say that!" "Hush, hush! What is this ?" said a deep, stern voice.

"Patient delirious, nurse ?" A quiet, grave-looking face was bent over West's pillow, and the poor fellow jumped at the idea that this must be the surgeon.
"No, sir; no, sir!" he whispered excitedly, catching at the new-comer's arm.

"I am better: it is only that I am in trouble about my clothes." "Clothes, eh ?" said the doctor, smiling.

"Oh, you will not want clothes for two or three weeks yet." "Not to dress, sir," whispered West excitedly; "but I must have my jacket.

It is important!" "Why ?" said the surgeon, laying his hand upon the young man's brow soothingly.
"I was bringing on a despatch from Mafeking when I was shot down, sir," whispered West excitedly.
"It was sewn up for safety in the breast." "Indeed ?" said the doctor, laying his fingers on the lad's pulse and looking keenly in his eyes.
"Yes, sir, indeed!" said West eagerly.