p. "Oh,
thank goodness! It give me quite a turn, sir, and I was afraid to
look."

"You're better, Ned, and coming round fast," said the doctor, as a warm
glow of light began to illumine the cabin, driving away the shadows of
that terrible night.

"Oh yes, sir, I'm all right," said the wounded man, speaking more
strongly now. Then in quite an apologetic tone, "Not quite all right,
Sir John; you see, there's my arm. Sorry to have give so much trouble,
Sir John; but you see, it wasn't quite my fault."

"Ah, lie still, you rascal!" said the doctor, as the man made an attempt
to rise.

"Yes, don't move, Edward," said Sir John warmly. "I am very very
thankful to see you so much better."

"Thankye, Sir John. It's very good of you to say so. But I can't stop
here in your way. Seems as if I was shamming ill like so as to get
waited on: and if there's anything I hate it's that. Don't seem
nat'ral, Mr Jack, sir."

"Now lie still and be silent," said the doctor sharply. "Your tongue's
running nineteen to the dozen, and it will not do your arm any good."

"But really, sir," protested Ned, "if you'd put on a couple of good
round pieces of sticking-plaster, and let me wear it in a sling for a
day or two, it would be all right."

"Will you hold your tongue, sir, hang you!" cried the doctor sharply.
"I'd better put a bit of sticking-plaster on that. Do you think I want
you to teach me my profession as a surgeon?"

"No, sir; beg pardon, sir."

"Silence, sir!"

Ned screwed up his mouth and his eyes as well. "Now, Jack, my lad,"
said the doctor, "I can't afford to have you ill too. Go to your room,
undress and get into bed."

"Doctor! Now?"

"Yes, my lad, now. You went through a terrible day of excitement
yesterday, and you have not stirred from this poor fellow's side all
night."

"Mr Jack, sir! Oh!" cried Ned in a voice full of reproach.

"Look here, Ned," said the doctor, "if you say another word I'll give
you a draught that will send you to sleep for twelve hours.--Now, Jack,
my lad, do as I advise. Believe it is for your good. Go and sleep as
long as you can. Never mind about it's being daylight. Ned is quite
out of danger, and in a few days, when the poison is quite eliminated,
he will be himself again."

At the words "danger" and "poison" the man's eyes opened wonderingly,
and he looked at Sir John and his young master in turn.

"Yes, Jack, my lad, go."

"But if--"

"There is no _if_ i