"I'm willing," agreed Smith when he was told what had been said. "A bath and a comfortable bed appeal to me just now."
They were brought to large, airy chambers within. A hot tub-bath was prepared for Smith; while a peon, skillful in massaging, kneaded his aching muscles. The injury to his knee, sustained in falling, was rather severe. The massaging peon bound it tightly with various poultices of herbs.
"I say, man, that's too hot," Smith protested.
Jones grinned. "Perhaps the bandit's servant is preparing you like a trussed goose."
"I say, Commodore——"
"Jones, my friend."
"Very well, Jones. If this confounded thing were around your leg, you wouldn't laugh. You're my superior officer, and all that——"
"I'm Jones," the other said, emphatically.
"Pardon me Com——I mean, Jones. Oh! Ouch! he's taking those weeds right out of boiling water and tying them around my smashed knee. I say, man——"
The Indian paid no attention to his remonstrances or squirming.