CHAPTER V.
THE GERMAN SURGEON.
THE youngest of the three strangers--judging by features,
complexion, and manner--was apparently an Englishman. He wore a
military cap and military boots, but was otherwise dressed as a
civilian. Next to him stood an officer in Prussian uniform, and
next to the officer was the third and the oldest of the party. He
also was dressed in uniform, but his appearance was far from
being suggestive of the appearance of a military man. He halted
on one foot, he stooped at the shoulders, and instead of a sword
at his side he carried a stick in his hand. After looking sharply
through a large pair of tortoise-shell spectacles, first at
Mercy, then at the bed, then all round the room, he turned with a
cynical composure of manner to the Prussian officer, and broke
the silence in these words:
"A woman ill on the bed; another woman in attendance on her, and
no one else in the room. Any necessity, major, for setting a
guard here?"
"No necessity," answered the major. He wheeled round on his heel
and returned to the kitchen. The German surgeon advanced a
little, led by his professional instinct, in the direction of the
bedside.
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