I couldn't withdraw it in time." Rofflash, while with Marlborough's army, had acquired some rough knowledge of surgery.

His hands had gone over Vane's chest in the region of the heart.

The wound was on the right side.
"There's life left," said the captain, "but he won't last long without a surgeon.

The blade's touched the lungs, I'll swear.

Look ye here, sir.
If the man dies it'll be awkward for us all round.