“Oh yes; let the doctor alone, Murray,” said the colonel. “There, I’m heartily glad that matters are no worse. Foolish fellow to attempt such a wild trick. You will want a nurse for him, doctor.”
“Nurse! for that? Pooh! nonsense! I’m very glad he was so considerate as not to disturb me over my dinner. I shouldn’t have liked that, Squire Gowan. Didn’t do it out of spite because he was not asked to dinner, did he?”
“Pish! no; he was asked,” said Captain Murray. “Yes; you wanted to say something, Gowan?”
“Only that I will have a mattress on the floor, sir, and stay with him.”
“Not necessary, boy,” said the doctor sharply.
“Let him be with his friend, doctor,” said Captain Murray.
“Friend, sir? I thought they were deadly enemies, trying hard to give me a job this morning to fit their pieces together again. I don’t want to stop him from spoiling his night’s rest if he likes; but if he stays, won’t they begin barking and biting again?”
“Not much fear of that—eh, Frank? There, stay with your friend. I’m in hopes that you will do him more good than the doctor.”
“Oh, very well,” said that gentleman.
“Then you don’t think there is anything to be alarmed about?” said Frank anxiously.