ded not to disturb you."

"I think you would have found it a difficult matter to have roused me. I
had sunk on the cot, and was sleeping the sleep of--"

"The just," interposed Dr. Denslow, gallantly.

"No, of the fatigued."

"Well, scientific truth compels me to say that fatigue is a surer and
stronger sedative than a clear conscience even. I know, for I have
occasionally tried a clear conscience--only by way of experiment, you
know," he added, apologetically.

"Well, whatever the case, I was sleeping as though on downy beds of
ease."

"Then my mind is lightened of a mountain-load of responsibility for
having made you pass a miserable night. But let's go in to breakfast.
I am opposed to doing anything on an empty stomach--even to holding a
pleasant conversation. It invites malaria, and malaria brings a number
of disagreeable sensations which people mistake for repentance,
remorse, religious awakening, and so on, according to their mental
idiosyncrasies, and the state of their digestion."

The breakfast did not help remove the unpleasant impressions already
made upon her mind. The cloth that covered the coarse planks of the
table was unmistakably a well-worn sheet. Tin cups and platters made
humble substitution for china, and were appropriately accompanied by
cast-iron knives and two tined forks.

Two Hospital Stewards--denoted by the green bands, embroidered with
CADUCEI, around their arms--and the same number of Wardmasters, formed
the mess which sat down with Dr. Denslow and Rachel, on benches around
the table.

What bouyant cheerfulness could do to raise Rachel's spirits and give an
appetizing flavor to the coarse viands, Dr. Denslow did.

"I apprehend," said he, "that you will suspect that in obtaining this
steak the indefatigable cook made a mistake, and sliced a piece from
a side of sole leather hanging near. This was not the case. It was
selected with a deep physiological design. Meat of this character
consists almost wholly of fibrine, the least heat-producing constituent
of flesh. By excluding all fats and other tender portions, and confining
ourselves to fibrine, we are the better able to stand this torrid
weather."

One of the Hospital Stewards groaned deeply.

"What is the matter, 'Squills'?" said the Doctor, kindly.

"I was thinking of the monstrous fibber-in here," said "Squills,"
lugubriously.

"'Squills,' I don't know how I can properly punish the disrespect shown
our young lady guest