“Doctor,” said the latter, “I’ve just come from Bracy’s bedside. He does not get on.”

“Not a bit,” said the Doctor gruffly.

“I have been watching his symptoms carefully.”

“Very good of you,” said the Doctor gruffly. “I’ve been watching your manoeuvres too.”

This was meant for a sarcastic retort, but the Colonel paid no heed, and went on:

“That poor fellow has the bullet still in the wound.”

“No, he has not,” retorted the Doctor.

“Then there is something else?”

“Tell me something I don’t know,” said the Doctor gruffly.

“You think there is, then?”