"When did these spasms begin?" went on the doctor, abruptly turning to the Major again.
"Well, sir—if you mean that jerking—Frankie began to jerk about half an hour ago when we were sitting down a bit; but he's seemed queer since breakfast. And he didn't seem to be able to eat properly."
"How do you mean? D'you mean he couldn't open his mouth?"
"Well, sir, it was something like that."
The doctor began to make comments in a rapid undertone, as if talking to himself; he pressed his hand once or twice against Frank's stomach; he took up the filthy bandage and examined it. Then he looked at the boot.
"Where's the sock?" he asked sharply.
Gertie produced it from a bundle. He looked at it closely, and began to mumble again. Then he rose to his feet.
"What's the matter with him, doctor?" asked the Major, trying to look perturbed.
"We call it tetanus," said the doctor.
"Who are you, my man?" he said. "Any relation?"