CHAPTER VI
Stolen Nuggets
Teddy Manley, lines of anxiety in his face, went into the parlor. The doctor saw him and motioned him to one side.
“Listen, Teddy,” he said quickly; “the way things look now, he’s got a chance—a slim one, but a chance. Whoever put that bandage around his neck probably saved his life. But he’s worrying about something—wouldn’t tell me what it was. We can’t have that. He needs everything in his favor if he’s to pull through. Understand?”
Teddy looked at the physician.
“It’s this way, doc,” he answered in a low voice. “He’s been robbed. Now, suppose he asks me where his money—or whatever he had with him—is? What’ll I say?”
Doctor Ring thought for a moment. The man’s face was turned to the wall.
“Tell him the truth,” the doctor said suddenly. “We can’t lie, although if it meant saving a patient’s life I’d lie like Ananias. But he’ll ask to see the money if we tell it’s been saved. We can’t take a chance on that. Tell him the truth.”
“Right.”
Teddy went slowly toward the cot. As the man heard him coming, he turned his whole body and stared at the boy. The neck was swathed in heavy gauze, making it impossible for him to move his head.
“Well, sir,” Teddy called cheerfully, “how are things?”