"I can do so in a few words. What was wrong shall be put right. I cannot tell you any more. What was wrong shall be put quite right. That is about all as far as you are concerned."
Keith turned his head away. His one desire was to get past Major Strause and go back to Ladysmith. Strause laid a detaining hand on his shoulder.
"I don't suppose you think well of me," he said, "although I am about to do the hardest thing a man like myself could ever do. I am going to bring myself down in order that you may show in your true colours. And I hate you, Captain Keith, as I hate no other man on earth. It would be a satisfaction to me to put a bullet through you! But there, I am going to put everything right for you; only I don't do it for your sake."
"Why do you detain me, Major Strause? I have urgent duties to perform. I will wish you good-morning."
"You must stay one minute. I am going to be square with you. I am going to do what I do, and you will be right, and I shall—"
He paused.
"Yes?" said Keith. His pulse beat rapidly. There had come a breeze something like health round his stagnant heart, his eyes had brightened, but now a cold and dreadful fear crept over him.
"Look," said the major—he pointed with his hand—"there lies the hospital."
"The Intombi hospital?" said Keith.
"There lies the hospital, and I go there."