I nodded.
“And what’s the result?”
“Did you see the sentry at the door?” I asked.
“Don’t tell me you’re found out,” Doc. moaned, “or I’ll never forgive myself.”
“All right, Doc. dear! The sentry’s there to prevent us committing suicide!”
Doc. stared a moment, and then doubled up with laughter that had to be silent because of the Turk outside.
“Like to see the medical reports?” I asked, handing him the Pimple’s translation.
He began to read. At the first sentence he burst into a loud guffaw, and thrust the reports hastily out of sight. Luckily the gamekeeper at the door paid no attention. The Doc. apologized for his indiscretion and managed to read the rest in silence.
“Think we’ve a chance?” Hill asked, as he finished.
“Ye’re a pair of unmitigated blackguards,” said the Doc., “an’ I’m sorry for the leech that’s up against you. There’s only one thing needed to beat the best specialist in Berlin or anywhere else, but as you both aim at getting to England you can’t do it.”