"Yes, sister of Nurse Mollie."
"Ah," he said, "if you are anything like her, you are indeed welcome to Intombi! Can you undertake a case now—at once?"
Kitty longed to say, "No," but it was useless. She could not be at Intombi without taking up her appointed work.
"I will do anything you like," she said.
"It is a serious case," said the surgeon, dropping his voice. "There is a man in there who in all probability won't live long. There is also, of course, a vague hope that he may recover. Everything practically depends on his nurse. He must be kept cheerful but very quiet. He will want some one to be with him all the time, in case of hemorrhage setting in."
"What sort of case is it?" said Kitty.
"The man's legs were shattered. We have been obliged to perform double amputation. Come this way, nurse; there is no time to lose."
The doctor drew aside a curtain, and ushered Kitty into the tent where Major Strause was lying. He saw her, and uttered a quick exclamation. Kitty saw him, and every vestige of colour left her face.
"Why, you know each other!" said the surgeon, in some astonishment.
"Yes," said Major Strause swiftly. "Of all the nurses in the camp this young lady you have brought to me can be most useful. I want to say something to her. For mercy's sake, leave us for a little time, Dr. Watson."