"I am convinced of that, Major; the officers and crew must suppose that the Captain has been thrown from his horse, you understand. I have already told the lieutenant so in making the report."
"Very good; I will corroborate your statement, my lad."
"Thanks, Major; now I have another thing to ask of you."
"Speak."
"You must obtain the lieutenant's leave that no one but Bowline and myself may wait on the Captain. Look you, Major, we are old sailors of his, he can say what he likes before us; and then, too, he will be glad to have us near him; will you get this leave from the lieutenant?"
"Yes, my lad; I know that you are a good fellow, sincerely attached to the Captain, and that he places entire confidence in you; hence, do not feel alarmed—I will settle that with the lieutenant, and you and your companion shall alone come in here with me so long as the Captain is ill."
"Thanks, Major; if an opportunity offers itself I will repay you this; on the faith of a Basque, you are a worthy man."
The surgeon began laughing.
"Let us return to our patient," he said, in order to cut short the conversation.
In spite of the intelligent care the doctor paid him the Count's fainting fit lasted the whole day.