"Whatever I may have said, sir, and however urgent I may admit the necessity for immediate operation, you must wait until to-morrow morning."
"I am fasting, sir, and fed. I received Holy Communion this morning, and have not yet breakfasted."
The return of the chart-nurse followed by a probationer carrying a laden tray provoked an exclamation from the little Irishman.
"Signs on it, the boy's as empty as a drum. The devil a wonder he went off like he did a bit back. And you can't deny him, Saxham?"
"I wad gie him the chance, Saxham"—this from Surgeon-Major Taggart—"in your place; and maybe I'm putting in six worrds for mysel' as well as half a dozen for the patient. For I have an auld bone to pyke wi' Sir Jedbury Fargoe, aboot a Regimental patient he slew for me, three years back, wi' his jawbone of a Philistine ass."
Saxham spoke to Fraithorn authoritatively, kindly.
"You have no near relative to sign the Hospital Register?"
"My family are all in England, sir. I have not thought it necessary to distress them with the knowledge of my state."
"I think Lady Hannah Wrynche, who is now in Gueldersdorp, happens to be an acquaintance of theirs, if not a friend?"
Julius turned eagerly to the Colonel.