Outside the surgeon ended the sentence he had left incomplete.
"The general," he said, "will be in no immediate danger if we could
count upon his having proper care. With that, I think we could promise
to save his life."
"He shall have the most devoted attention from me," began McKay.
"We know that. But he wants more: the very best hospital treatment,
with all its comforts and appliances; and how can we possibly secure
these here on this bleak plateau?"
Just then one of the general's orderlies came in sight and approached
McKay.
"A letter, sir, for the general, marked 'Immediate.'"
"The general can attend to no correspondence. You know he has been
desperately wounded."
"Yes, sir, but the messenger would not take that for an answer."
"Who is he?"
"A seaman from Balaclava, belonging to some yacht that has just
arrived."
"Lord Lydstone's perhaps. That would indeed be fortunate," went on
McKay, turning to the doctor. "It is the general's cousin, you know;
and on board the yacht--if we could get him there?"
"That is not impossible, I think. In fact, it would have to be done."
"Well, on board the yacht he would get the careful nursing you speak
of. Is he well enough, do you think, to read this letter?"
"Under the circumstances, yes. Give it me, and I will take it in to
the general.
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