Part 46 (1/2)
Now the constables came running up and Colonel Boyce turned to them: ”Secure that fellow. He and some others which have escaped stabbed my son who lies there. I am Colonel Boyce at the Blue House in St.
Martin's Lane.”
The wretched Ben was haled off, groaning.
Harry, lifeless still and bleeding, for all McBean's work, they lifted and carried away to his father's lodging.
”What's your Waverton in this, sir?” says McBean.
”The silly gentleman wanted Harry's wife. Egad, I never thought he had so much gall in him.”
”I believe I'll be letting some of it out,” says McBean.
”You'll be pleased to leave that to me,” quoth Colonel Boyce.
McBean looked up at him oddly. ”_Ventrebleu_, I wonder if I'll make you my apologies. Have you bowels after all, sir?”
”You're impertinent.”
”If you like.” McBean c.o.c.ked a wicked eye at him.
”You concern yourself with the affairs of my family. I resent it, Captain McBean.”
”I believe you, _mon vieux_.”
”You have done me a notable service to-night and I am ready to forget the older injuries, your ill offices with my son. Let us call quits and part, sir.”
”It won't do,” said McBean with a grin.
”What now, sir?”
”I must know how Harry does and make sure that he has the best there is for him. Surgery and friends--he will need both, sound and sure.”
”Be satisfied. I shall well provide him.”
Captain McBean shook his head.
”d.a.m.n your infernal impudence.” Colonel Boyce's temper gave way. ”Od's life, sir, this is infamous. You put upon me that I would mishandle my own son as he lies wounded and near death! I shall murder him, I suppose. You had that against me before. Shall I rob him too, or torture him maybe? This is raving. Carry it where you will, I'll none of it. You may go.”
”Fie, what a heat!” says McBean placidly.
They were now come to Colonel Boyce's lodging and he bade the bearers take Harry up to his own room.
”I sent a brisk lad for Rolfe,” says McBean. ”I could but stop the blood.
He'll be here soon enough. It's but a step to Chancery Lane. He knows more of wounds than any man in the town.”
Colonel Boyce was for a moment speechless. ”I shall send for Dr.
Radcliffe and Sir Samuel Garth,” says he majestically. ”I wish you good night, sir.”