§1
Then Monty approached me, as I tossed stones down the slope on to the beach.
"I've seen him," he said. "He's in No. 17 Stationary Hospital, the 'White City.' Are you coming?"
"Of course," replied I uncivilly. Did he think he would visit Doe and I wouldn't—I who had known him ten years? The man was presuming on his six-months' acquaintance with my friend.
"Well, come down to the dump, and we'll find you a horse."
"How is he?" asked I, not choosing to be told what to do.
"Bad. Come along. There's no time to lose."
"All right—I'm coming, aren't I? I don't need to be ordered to go."
In silence we went down Gurkha Mule Trench into Gully Ravine, where the horse lines were.
"Saddle up Charlie," said Monty to his groom, "and get the Major's chestnut for Captain Ray."