“Is that the only boat?”
“The only one that leaves St. Aubins, sir; but there is another steamer leaves St. Helier’s every afternoon at three o’clock for Portsmouth, sir!”
“Let me see! How far do they call St. Helier’s from here?”
“About three miles, sir.”
“That will do. Go down-stairs and tell them to send me my bill, including Dr. Dietz’s. And then order a fly to be at the door by two o’clock. And then pack up my traps and yours as quickly as possible. We start for England in an hour.”
The valet stared at his master in speechless astonishment for a moment, and then gasped:
“For England, sir!—In an hour, sir!”
“Yes! Don’t I speak plainly enough? Be quick and do as I tell you.”
“But, sir, what would the doctor say? You have never left your room yet since you have been wounded!—scarcely left your bed, sir! Consider your health, sir? Consider your life!”
“Consider a fig’s end! There are matters of more moment than my poor life that demand my presence in England,” said Alexander.