Considering this, I was standing at the head of the pier, when a litter, such as is used to transport the sick, was carried past me towards the crowd. The litter was without the usual cover, which had probably been forgotten in their haste, or, as it was night, not considered necessary.
"What is the matter?" I asked the men.
"The fireman of the Elizabeth has broken his leg." growled one in reply, in whom I now recognized my old friend, officer Luz.
"And we are to take him to the hospital," said the other, who was no other than the redoubtable Bolljahn.
"Poor fellow!" I exclaimed.
"Yes," said Luz, "and his wife has just been brought to bed."
"And they had eight already," growled Bolljahn.
"No, seven," said Luz.
"No, eight," said Bolljahn.
The group upon the pier began to move.