"Crippled for life! I should think not," replied Gerald. "I'll tell you, only you must not talk any more, but go to sleep. Doctor's orders, you know. You've a spearthrust through the shoulder, another through your right leg above the knee, a gash across your forehead, caused, I believe, by a kick from your horse, and half a dozen gashes of minor consequence on various parts of your body. That's cheerful; but you are doing well, so the doctor says. Now, obey orders!"
"One more question: how long have I been here?"
"Eight days," replied Gerald. "Now I must inform the doctor that you are awake."
Presently Sir Jehan's own surgeon—a man skilled in the use of herbs and in elementary surgery—entered, looked at his patient, and gave him a sleeping draught. In less than five minutes Reeves was sleeping peacefully.
"He'll do," replied the doctor, in answer to Gerald's anxious enquiries. "He is as full of vitality as a man can possibly be. In a week or so he will be himself again."
It had been a case of touch and go. But for the timely arrival of a strong body of horsemen, the gallant six would have been exterminated. As it was, the rescuers found only two sorely-wounded men, dismounted, fighting desperately back to back in the midst of a horde of Arabs.
Thus ended the greatest attempt of the Moslem power to overrun Croixilia. Both sides had lost heavily, but on the whole, in spite of the death of Sir Jehan, the Christians were the gainers. They had secured immunity from attack for many years to come, while a vast number of firearms—though but old-fashioned firelocks—were found upon the sites of the various sanguinary struggles. With these the Croixilians were able to equip four regiments, having now a knowledge of how the weapons were to be used; and possessing the means of making powder, they were able to hold their own against any enemy similarly equipped.
The loss of Sir Jehan de Valx was felt severely by all classes. He had been upright, a firm yet humane ruler, and far-seeing regarding the welfare of the State. Although his power was absolute, he was always ready to listen carefully to any complaints or suggestions from his subjects and councillors; yet he was not weak-willed, or anxious to attempt to please all parties. His will was law.
On the day following his obsequies his successor was proclaimed—his son, a lad ten years of age. During his minority, which, according to Croixilian custom, would last till he attained the age of sixteen, the government was to be vested in the hands of Sir John Cahars, a man in whom the fault of excessive caution was ever present. Sir John was far from popular, and lacked the iron nerve of Sir Jehan de Valx. But since it was their overlord's choice, the populace had no option but to accept his rule, although the outlook for the next six years was far from promising.
Thanks to the pure, bracing air of the plateau of Croixilia, Reeves made rapid progress towards recovery, and within a fortnight he was able to walk abroad.