What delayed the fellow?
In Heaven's name, why was he so long?
Ghastly possibilities arose in his mind, fears unspeakable that he dared not face.

He forced himself to attend to business, but the suspense was becoming intolerable.

He began to realize that he could not stand it much longer.
He was nearing desperation when the colonel came unexpectedly upon the scene, unshaven and haggard as he was himself, but firm as a rock in the face of adversity.
He joined Merryon, and received the latter's report, grimly taciturn.
They talked together for a space of needs and expediencies.

The fell disease had got to be checked somehow.

He spoke of recalling the officers on leave.