"I've had my say; having done so I wash my hands of all responsibility. If we amputate at once your life will not be endangered. If there is any postponement we may not be able to operate at all; you may lose your life and your leg."
"That is your opinion?"
"It is--emphatically."
"Then I'll keep my leg. Set it." He closed his eyes, he had to, the pain just then was so exquisite. Presently he opened them again to address the lady pointedly. "You set it."
"I intend to. Would you like an anæsthetic? It won't be pleasant."
"No."
"Then grit your teeth. I'll be as quick as I can; but I'm afraid you'll have a pretty bad time."
He gritted his teeth, and he had a pretty bad time. But through it all he recognised that the work was being done by a workman, with skill and judgment, with as much delicacy also as the thing permitted. He had not thought that such a slip of a girl could have had such strength or courage. When the task was over she gave what sounded like a gratified sigh.
"That's done. You've behaved like a man."
"And you're a surgeon born."