to bed, and you'd have been better
still. How's the shoulder?"

"Gave me a good deal of pain several times in the night, but it is
easier now."

"Glad of it, but take my advice; let's have in a doctor, and let him
dress it properly."

"There's no need," said Stratton quietly. "A wound only needs to be
kept from exposure to the air to heal itself."

"Well, of all the obstinate fellows!"

"Oh, no," said Stratton, with a wan smile. "You see I have been very
obedient. If the wound is disposed to turn bad, as I shall soon know, I
will have medical advice. If there is no need, surely you can spare me
the annoyance of answering a surgeon all kinds of questions, and being
tied-down to his routine."

"Well, I will not worry you, old fellow, for you do seem to be better."

"Much," said Stratton quietly. "I only want to be at peace for a time.
I think I shall go into the country."

"Will you?"

"Y-e-s, I think I will."

"With me. Then we'll go as soon as you can start."

"No, no," cried Stratton excitedly. "I should be poor company, and
would rather go alone."

"Not fit. Look here. Happy thought. I'll ask Brettison in."

"No, no!" cried Stratton excitedly.

"But he's the very man. Quiet, calm, and don't talk. Go and pick
buttercups and daisies along with him for a few days, and then come back
to me quite _compos mentis_, and we'll see what can be done."

Guest made toward the door, but Stratton intercepted him.

"I tell you no," he said firmly, "and--and--Brettison is out."

"Out?"

"Gone into the country."

"Humph!" ejaculated Guest, looking at his friend curiously, for there
was something in his manner which puzzled him. But Stratton said
cheerfully:

"Nearly nine. Will you order some breakfast from the tavern?"

"Eh, to be sure. Let's go. No; afraid you are not well enough. I'll
send Mrs Brade. But no nonsense," said Guest.

"I give you my word," said Stratton quietly.

"I take it;" and after a visit to the bedroom Guest came back, looking
refreshed and ready to go out and order the meal to be brought.

In due time this was at the door, and, to the young barrister's great
satisfaction, his friend drank a cup of coffee, and ate sparingly of
some dry toast, looking every minute more and more himself.

There were moments when his face twitched and his eyes looked strange;
but that Guest set down to the pain of his wound; and in the course of
the morning, feeling more and more re