“And you promise not to budge?”
“I promise, if I am ordered so.”
“I order you.”
“Upon my word, sir,” said the chief surgeon, “you speak with so much certainty that I am inclined to try the experiment.”
“Do so, and have no fear.”
“Unbind him,” said the surgeon.
As the men obeyed Balsamo went to the head of the couch.
“From this time forward do not stir till I bid you.”
A statue on a tombstone could not be more motionless than the patient after this command.
“Now, sir, proceed with the operation; the patient is properly prepared.”