Nothing to do but to wait upon his honor. I suppose after
to-day I shall be able to stale out for a few minutes sometimes for a
draw of me pipe. It would never do to be smoking here. The master
wouldn't mind it; but I expect them doctors would be for sending me
back to my regiment if they were to come in and smell it."
After he had finished his meal, Denis took his seat by Ralph's
bedside; but he was thoroughly exhausted. He had not slept a wink
since the night before the battle, and after the fatigue of the day
had been tramping all night by the side of the ambulance, which was
constantly stopped by the numerous vehicles that had broken down or
been overturned by the way. After waking up suddenly with a jerk once
or twice, he muttered to himself, "I will just take five minutes on
the bed, then I shall be all right again," and threw himself down on
his mattress with his greatcoat for a pillow, and slept for several
hours. So heavy was his slumber that he was not even roused when the
surgeons came round at ten o'clock to see how Ralph was. He had just
woke.
"How do you feel, Mr. Conway?"
"I feel quite comfortable," Ralph said, "but shall be glad of a drink.
Where is my man?"
"He is asleep there in the corner," the surgeon said. "I will give you
a drink of lemonade. The poor fellow is worn out, no doubt.
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