"I believe you, mon vieux."
"You have done me a notable service to-night and I am ready to forget the older injuries, your ill offices with my son. Let us call quits and part, sir."
"It won't do," said McBean with a grin.
"What now, sir?"
"I must know how Harry does and make sure that he has the best there is for him. Surgery and friends—he will need both, sound and sure."
"Be satisfied. I shall well provide him."
Captain McBean shook his head.
"Damn your infernal impudence." Colonel Boyce's temper gave way. "Od's life, sir, this is infamous. You put upon me that I would mishandle my own son as he lies wounded and near death! I shall murder him, I suppose. You had that against me before. Shall I rob him too, or torture him maybe? This is raving. Carry it where you will, I'll none of it. You may go."
"Fie, what a heat!" says McBean placidly.
They were now come to Colonel Boyce's lodging and he bade the bearers take Harry up to his own room.