"In the right thigh," replied the patient; and the bullet hole in his trousers indicated the precise spot.
"It will be necessary to remove your clothing, Captain," continued the surgeon.
"My cabin is already turned into a hospital, and Dr. Davidson is hard at work there," replied the patient. "I shall have to send for a berth-sack, and let you operate on deck, for"—
"My cabin is entirely at your service, Captain Rombold," interposed the commander of the Bellevite. "It will afford me the very greatest pleasure in the world to give it up to you."
"Oh, no, Captain!" exclaimed the sufferer, as he really was by this time. "That is too great a sacrifice."
"Not at all; do me the very great favor to accept the use of my cabin," persisted Captain Breaker. "How shall we move him, doctor?"
"Call four of your men; we will carry him to your cabin in his chair, just as he sits; and we can do it without incommoding him at all," answered Dr. Linscott, as he sent his mate to call the men required.
"Really, Captain,"—the sufferer began, but rather faintly.
"The surgeon thinks you had better not talk any more, Captain Rombold," interposed the commander. "Here are the men, and we will handle you as tenderly as an infant."
"You are as kind as the mother of the infant," added the sufferer with a slight smile; but he made no further opposition.