'May I see him?' I asked eagerly.
'Oh, yes, certainly.'
When I entered the bedroom, I found Edgecumbe sitting up in bed, and although he looked rather tired, he spoke naturally.
'I can't understand why I'm here,' he said, with a laugh, 'but I suppose I must obey orders. I was tremendously surprised about half an hour ago when on awaking I saw two men who told me they were doctors, and who seemed frightfully interested in my condition.'
Dr. Merril went out of the room as he spoke, leaving us together.
'Has anything particular happened to me, Luscombe? You needn't be afraid to tell me, man; I am all right.'
'Have you no remembrance of anything yourself?' I said.
'Nothing, except that I was attacked by a horrible pain, and that I became blind. After that I think my senses must have left me, for I can remember nothing more.'
I looked at him eagerly. I remembered Colonel McClure's injunction, and yet I was more anxious than I can say to ask him questions.
'Did you feel nothing before the pain?'