"But do not be surprised to find me dead."
"Cheer up, your time is not yet come, I hope; and, besides, I want further instructions."
He did not wait for a reply, but hurried to the surgeon's office.
CHAPTER IX.
THE DEAD EXILE.
On reaching the chief surgeon's quarters he found that irritable petty tyrant possessed of much temper on account of his long absence.
"If you don't pay more attention to your duties, I will have you sent into the mines."
"Pardon me, sir, but I found the old man very low, and, tried to comfort him," said Barnwell, respectfully.
"Curse him, let him die. He only lingers from pure obstinacy to make trouble here. The wolves are waiting for his carcass. Go and bring my dinner!"
Barnwell hurried from the presence of the brute; but he could have choked the life out of him for what he had said.