The doctor looked from Santiago to me, hardly knowing what to make of such flattery.
"Faith," exclaimed he at last, "I hope there is an easier way of getting down than of coming up."
"There is," said the major, "and much more expeditious. You have but to step outside the cave, and there you are. Most people, however, prefer to go down by the rope."
The doctor groaned.
"I shall never do it," said he, "never! I shall be shut up in this place for the rest of my life."
"There will be one advantage in that," remarked Santiago pleasantly: "your patients will always be able to find you. Now I fear we must tear ourselves from your side."
"Do your best with these poor fellows," I said. "The one in the corner yonder will not trouble you long; the others are getting on nicely. You will find this cavern quite a comfortable dwelling-place. There is plenty of food, a spring of clear water, and enough fuel to keep a fire going for weeks."
"Meanwhile," observed Santiago, "we will ask the good folks of Moquegua to make a nice long ladder, so that you can get down without trouble."
It was really very laughable to watch the doctor's face as the major prepared to descend.
"He will be killed," said he dolefully. "It is a clear case of suicide. Look, he has missed his foothold, and will be dashed to pieces!"