But worse was to come; for I presently found myself in a swamp
up to my knees in mud and water, and in the pitchy darkness tumbling over
another fallen tree, struck my revolver, which I had foolishly been
carrying in my coat pocket: it went off and shot me in the arm, as you
see. That must have been early in the night; and what with loss of blood,
pain, fatigue, and long fasting, I had but little strength when daylight
came and I could see to get out of swamp and woods, and come on here."
The doctor listened in silence, his face telling nothing of his thoughts.
"A bad business," he said, rising and beginning to draw on his gloves.
"You are not fit to travel, but are welcome to stay here for the present;
had better lie down on the sofa there and take a nap while I am away
visiting my patients. Nap, clean the mud and blood from the gentleman's
clothes; take his boots out and clean them too; and see that he doesn't
want for attention while I am gone. Good-morning, sir; make yourself at
home." And the doctor walked out, giving Nap a slight sign to follow him.
"Nap," he said, when they were out of ear-shot of the stranger, "watch
that man and keep him here if possible, till I come back."
"Yes, sah."
Nap went back into the office while the doctor mounted and rode away.
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