CHAPTER IV.
THE DOCTOR.
"And his wound?
Is it a serious one ?" said a round, full voice, as the doctor left my room at the conclusion of his visit.
"No, sir; a fractured bone is the worst of it,--the bullet grazed, but did not cut the artery, and as--" "Well, how soon will he be about again ?" "In a few weeks, if no fever sets in." "There's no objection to my seeing him ?--a few minutes only,--I'll be cautious." So saying, and as it seemed to me, without waiting for a reply, the door was opened by an aide-de-camp, who, announcing General Crawfurd, closed it again, and withdrew.
The first glance I threw upon the general enabled me to recognize the officer who, on the previous morning, had ridden up to the picket and given us the orders to charge.

I essayed to rise a little as he came forward; but he motioned me with his hand to lie still, while, placing a chair close beside my bed, he sat down.
"Very sorry for your mishap, sir, but glad it is no worse.

Moreton says that nothing of consequence is injured; there, you mustn't speak except I ask you.

Hampden has told me everything necessary; at least as far as he knew.

Is it your opinion, also, that any movement is in contemplation; and from what circumstance ?" I immediately explained, and as briefly as I was able, the reasons for suspecting such, with which he seemed quite satisfied.