ed, and a fresh bandage
applied. Meanwhile, I had made the discovery that my head also was
enveloped in bandages, and when I asked why, was informed that I had
received a scalp wound, which, however, was of no serious consequence.
When this also had been re-dressed, the entire operation occupying the
best part of half an hour, I felt considerably easier, although much
exhausted. While the wound in my chest was being dressed, I had seized
the opportunity to look round the ward, and saw that several of the beds
were occupied, one of the patients, who appeared to be suffering from a
broken arm, being a man whom I appeared to know. As I sat staring at
him he turned his head and our eyes met, whereupon, to my amazement, up
went his uninjured hand to the salute.

"Who is that man?" I demanded. "I seem to recognise his face."

"You do?" remarked the Chief. "Ah! no wonder. He is one of the
survivors of the disaster by which you so nearly lost your honourable
life. He was one of the crew of the _Kasanumi_."

"One of the crew of the _Kasanumi_!" I repeated. "Of course; I
remember now. How come he and I to be here?"

"You were both, with the rest of the crew of your ship, rescued by the
_Akatsuki_, which ship was happily at hand when the disaster occurred,"
replied the Chief.

"Ah, yes, the disaster!" I remarked. "Yes, I am beginning to remember
all about it now. What was the nature of the disaster, doctor? Was
that ever ascertained?"

"According to your friend, Captain Ito, who brought you here, there is
no doubt that your ship struck a mine," was the reply. "Of course she
went down, though not so quickly but that the entire crew were saved,
together with most of their personal effects. There was time, indeed,
to save most, if not all, of your belongings, Captain, and they are now
here, awaiting your convalescence."

"Thank you," I said. "And, pray, when did the disaster occur?"

"Just a week ago, last night," was the reply.

"A week ago!" I exclaimed in consternation. "Then, have I lain here
all that time, unconscious?"

"You certainly have," replied the Chief. "Now, however, that you are
happily conscious once more, we must do our utmost to keep you so, and
to assist your recovery. Therefore, no more conversation, if you
please, until I give you permission. What you now have to do is to
remain perfectly quiet and free from all excitement, pleasurable or
otherwise. Rest, sleep, take such food