“You should have undressed and gone to bed, and you’d have been better still. How’s the shoulder?”
“Gave me a good deal of pain several times in the night, but it is easier now.”
“Glad of it, but take my advice; let’s have in a doctor, and let him dress it properly.”
“There’s no need,” said Stratton quietly. “A wound only needs to be kept from exposure to the air to heal itself.”
“Well, of all the obstinate fellows!”
“Oh, no,” said Stratton, with a wan smile. “You see I have been very obedient. If the wound is disposed to turn bad, as I shall soon know, I will have medical advice. If there is no need, surely you can spare me the annoyance of answering a surgeon all kinds of questions, and being tied-down to his routine.”
“Well, I will not worry you, old fellow, for you do seem to be better.”
“Much,” said Stratton quietly. “I only want to be at peace for a time. I think I shall go into the country.”
“Will you?”
“Y–e–s, I think I will.”