The Surgeon's facial muscles were too well trained to feel any strain.

He continued in the same tone of gentle consideration: "I have already ordered the preparation of some remedies.

The Steward will be here in a few minutes with the barber, who will shave your head, that we may apply a couple of fly-bisters behind your ears.

They are also spreading a big mustard-plaster in the dispensary for you, which will cover your whole breast and stomach.

These, with a strong dose of castor-oil, may bring you around so that you will be able to go back to duty in a short time." Jake did not notice the unsheathed sarcasm in the Surgeon's allusion to returning to duty.