“Hold still, sir. Look the other way.”

“Yes, sir,” said Gedge faintly. “’Tain’t my head this time, sir.”

“No, my lad; it’s not your head this time.”

“Sorry it’s my back, sir; but I warn’t a-running away.”

“Bah! of course you were not; our lads don’t know how.”

“No, sir; course not, sir.”

“Got it carrying Mr Bracy out of the fire—eh?”

“Well, yes, sir, I s’pose so, sir. Shall I—shall I—”

The poor fellow stopped short.

“Shall you what?” said the Doctor kindly; “try to move?”