"That's the biggest compliment I've
had for a good while," said he.
As they dressed, neither man said much. But when coats were on, and the
two were ready to go to Jamie's room, they turned each to the other.
"Well, old man?" Burns was smiling like the sunshine itself into his
friend's eyes. "I think I never was so happy in my life."
"I know you're happy," said the other man. "I don't believe I'll trust
myself yet to tell you what I am."
"Don't try. We won't talk it over just yet. But I've got to say this,
Jack: You never did a more masterly job in your life."
Leaver smiled--and shivered. "I'm glad it's over," said he.
They went down to Jamie's room, and there, on either side of the high
hospital cot, watched consciousness returning. With consciousness
presently came pain.
"I'm going to stay with him," Leaver announced, by and by. Jamie's
little, wasted hand was fast in his, Jamie's eyes, when they rested
anywhere with intelligence, rested on his face--a face tender and
pitiful.
"Good for you. I shall feel easier about him if you do," and Burns went
away with the feeling that this course would be as good for the surgeon
as for the patient.
He stopped in the lower hall to telephone Ellen.
"All safely over, dear," he said. "The patient doing well so far, and no
reason why he shouldn't continue, as far as we can see.
Pages:
193
194
195
196
197
198
199
200
201
202
203
204
205
206
207
208
209
210
211
212
213
214
215
216
217