CHAPTER IX.
MORE OF THE DRAMATIS PERSONAE.
In a few days, so much for the proper nursing of Mark Forrester, and of the _soi-disant medico_ of the village, Ralph Colleton was able to make his appearance below, and take his place among the _habitues_ of the hotel.

His wound, slight at first, was fortunate in simple treatment and in his own excellent constitution.

His bruises gave him infinitely more concern, and brought him more frequent remembrances of the adventure in which they were acquired.

A stout frame and an eager spirit, impatient of restraint, soon enabled our young traveller to conquer much of the pain and inconvenience which his hurts gave him, proving how much the good condition of the physical man depends upon the will.

He lifted himself about in five days as erectly as if nothing had occurred, and was just as ready for supper, as if he had never once known the loss of appetite.