Page:Orczy--the gates of Kamt.djvu/160

 I pointed to the fine wheaten bread, the fruit and sweet cakes, which lay on a tray ready to the invalid's hand. " At the same time I think we should find it difficult to interfere with his medical entourage."

"Do you think you can save him?" asked Hugh, eagerly.

"Save him? No! Only stay the rapid course of the malady, perhaps. I cannot tell offhand how far it has gone, and, of course, I cannot thrust myself into the case without consulting the physicians who have charge of it."

"Does it not strike you, Mark, old chap," interrupted Hugh, with a smile, "that your exposé of professional etiquette, as prescribed by the R. C. S., is a little out of place in this particular instance? Look here!" he added with his usual impulsive energy, "if your suppositions are correct, do you or do you not consider that this unfortunate man is being wrongly treated?"

"Yes! That I do most emphatically consider."

"Very well, then! From this moment you must look after him, and those bald niggers have got to do as you tell them."

"But …"

"There is no 'but,' Mark. We are not going to see this poor wretch die in agony, under our very eyes, if your skill can alleviate his sufferings. I appoint you my future son's physician-extraordinary; this shall be the first act of my autocratic rule."

"Hush!" I warned, "he is moving."

I hurriedly whispered to Hugh to go, for I was afraid the sight of him would upset the patient.

"Send his own attendants in, old man; they can see to him for the present, till we have decided what is to be done."