"Don't try. We won't talk it over just yet. But I've got to say this, Jack: You never did a more masterly job in your life."
Leaver smiled—and shivered. "I'm glad it's over," said he.
They went down to Jamie's room, and there, on either side of the high hospital cot, watched consciousness returning. With consciousness presently came pain.
"I'm going to stay with him," Leaver announced, by and by. Jamie's little, wasted hand was fast in his, Jamie's eyes, when they rested anywhere with intelligence, rested on his face—a face tender and pitiful.
"Good for you. I shall feel easier about him if you do," and Burns went away with the feeling that this course would be as good for the surgeon as for the patient.
He stopped in the lower hall to telephone Ellen.
"All safely over, dear," he said. "The patient doing well so far, and no reason why he shouldn't continue, as far as we can see."
"Oh, I'm so glad, Red," came back the joyous reply, and Burns responded:
"That goes without saying, partner. I'll tell you a lot more about it, now, when I get back."
The Green Imp went back at a furious pace. Half-way home, however, as it neared a figure walking by the roadside, it suddenly slowed down.