But Laurence shook his head.
"Nothing doing at present."
"Has he had any food?"
"Not today. He's weak enough in all conscience."
"Sleep?"
"Damn little. He dropped off two or three times and I got the chaps to spray him with cold water. That kept him lively. Blayney and Parker are sleeping in the room now and taking shifts to watch him at night. Awfully sorry, you two, but I've done my best."
"I'll get right up," said Ezra P. Hipps. "Say, Auriole'll be along presently. Tell her to stand by. She may come in useful."
He marched heavily up the stairs and entered Richard's room.
Blayney was on duty sprawling watchful on a camp bed, his elbows propped on a kit bag.
"Get out, you," said Hipps, and the man obeyed. Then he turned to
Richard.