“I am not a surgeon,” replied the doctor, “and I do not know what may be wrong, but I should say that the wild beast which seized him crushed some bone, with the result that splinters are remaining in the wound, causing it to fester. But we shall see.”
“Then you will look, doctor?” cried Mark excitedly.
“Certainly, if I find our little patient amenable to treatment.”
“Hurrah!” cried Mark. “When will you go?”
“The sooner the better. It rests with Sir James.”
“Oh, I am ready,” said Mark’s father. “You had better see, boys, if Mak has had his share of our dinner, and send him on to say we are coming.”
“That won’t do, uncle,” said Dean decisively.
“Why not?” asked Mark sharply.
“Mak must go with us. I am not going to let uncle tramp in amongst those horrible trees without a guide.”
“Quite right, Dean,” said the doctor. “We must have Mak to lead the way, and let him be our ambassador to this tribe of giants before we approach too near. We don’t want them to take fright.”