"Yet," he continued, "to doubt it you must be making some theory of your own; what is it, please?"
He spoke with a slight lisp. I noticed it, and felt pleased that I had got to a stage in which, such a trifle was of any interest.
"The only possible theories are that I am dreaming and--"
"Be good enough to tell me another."
He had not interrupted me; I had hesitated.
"I know!" exclaimed the doctor; "he thinks I am concealing worse by inventing a war with all its et ceteras. His supposition does me credit in one way, but in another it does me great injury. Although I have given him my word of honour that I am concealing nothing, he still hangs to his notion that I am lying to him in order to keep from him a truth that might be dangerous to his health. I shall be compelled to call him out when he gets well. Will you act for me, Aleck?"
"With great pleasure," said the man addressed; "but perhaps your friend will make the amende when he knows the injustice of his suspicions."
"Have I told either of you what I have said to Jones about the war?" asked the doctor.
"Certainly not; so far as I have the right to speak," said the Captain. The other man shook his head.
"Then tell Jones the conditions here."