the forces and the regimental
surgeon, and how could he put the young men to fresh tortures by
removing splints and unsetting limbs? Politeness, if nothing else,
prevented his so doing, for it would have been as much as to say that
either he did not credit their report, or that he doubted their skill.
He looked at our hero and his companion, who kept their eyes closed, and
breathed heavily with their mouths open, put on a grave face as well as
his brothers in the art, and reported to Captain Wilson.

"But when can they be moved, Mr Daly?" inquired the latter; "I cannot
wait; we must sail to-morrow, or the next day at the farthest."

The surgeon, as in duty bound, put the question to the others, who
replied that there would be great risk in removing before the fever,
which might be expected the next day, and which might last ten days; but
that Captain Wilson had better not think of removing them, as they
should have every care and attention where they were and could rejoin
the ship at Malta. Mr Daly, the surgeon, agreed that this would be the
most prudent step, and Captain Wilson then gave his consent.

That being settled, he walked up to the bed of Gascoigne, and spoke to
him; but Gascoigne knew that he was to have a concussion of the brain,
and he made no reply, nor gave any signs of knowing that Captain Wilson
was near him. He then went to our hero, who, at the sound of Captain
Wilson's voice, slowly opened his eyes without moving his head, and
appeared to recognise him.

"Are you in much pain, Easy?" said the captain kindly.

Easy closed his eyes again, and murmured, "Mesty, Mesty!"

"He wants his servant, the ship's corporal, sir," said the surgeon.

"Well," replied Captain Wilson, "he had better have him: he is a
faithful fellow, and will nurse him well. When you go on board, Mr
Daly, desire the first lieutenant to send Mesty on shore with Mr
Gascoigne's and Mr Easy's chests, and his own bag and hammock. Good
heavens! I would not for a thousand pounds that this accident had
occurred. Poor foolish boys--they run in couples, and if one's in a
scrape the other is sure to share it. Gentlemen, I return you many
thanks for your kindness, and I must accept of your promised care for my
unfortunate officers. I sail to-morrow at daylight. You will oblige me
by informing their friends, the Rebieras, of their mischance, as I am
sure they will contribute all they can to their comfort." So saying,
Captain Wilso