And now, since I have to lie here on my back, and feel rather lonely, I should like to have a talk with you.

You are not in a hurry, I hope ?" "Not at all.

My assistant knows where I am, and will send for me if I am required." "So you have an assistant, have you ?" "Oh, yes; a very sharp young fellow, who has been two years in the Feldsher school, and has now come here to help me and learn more by practice.

That is a new way.

I never was at a school of the kind myself, and had to pick up what I could when a servant in the hospital.