Falmouth's physician, of whom I have forgotten to speak, a grave and very learned man, was near me. My first thought was for Henry. "How is Lord Falmouth?" I asked the doctor. "My lord is doing very well, sir; fortunately his wound is not dangerous." "Has he not a broken hip?" "A very great contusion, more painful, perhaps, than a fracture, but less serious." "And the pirates?" "They have escaped, and again set sail, after having lost five of their crew in this attack, but, doubtless, they have a great number of wounded." "And have we lost many?" "Three sailors and a boatswain have been killed, besides which, nine of our sailors are wounded more or less seriously." "It seems to me to be day; what time is it, doctor?" "Eleven o'clock, sir." "Indeed, I believe I am dreaming,--all this has passed, then?" "This night." "And where are my wounds?" "A wound on the head, and a blow from a poignard on the left shoulder. Ah, sir, an inch lower, and this last would have been mortal. But how do you feel this morning?" "Oh, I feel a little smarting in my left shoulder; that is all; but Falmouth, Falmouth?" "My lord will not be able to walk for several days. In spite of his wound, he has desired to help me in caring for you and in watching this night, but since one o'clock his strength has left him, and I have ordered him to his room. He is sleeping now. As soon as he awakens he will wish to be near you again, for he is in great haste to express his thanks to you, sir." "Do not speak of that, doctor." "Why not speak of that, sir?" exclaimed the doctor. "Have you not, in the midst of this mad combat, forgotten your own safety, to drag my lord from great peril? Have you not been wounded in accomplishing this act of friendship? Ah, sir, will my lord ever forget that it is to you that he owes his life? And we, ourselves, shall we ever forget that it is to you that we owe his preservation?" "The attack, then, was very vigorous, doctor?" "On all sides, it was terrible; but our sailors, however inferior in number, have intrepidly repulsed it. In a word, their bravery rivalled yours, sir; for your coolness, your struggle hand to hand with the captain of those pirates, have been the admiration of all of our crew." "And you assure me that Falmouth's wound is not dangerous?" "No, sir; but if you will permit me, I will go and see if he needs me." "Go, go, doctor, and return and tell me when I may see him." I remained alone. CHAPTER XXXIV FRIENDSHIP Henry owed his life to me! I cannot tell with what pride I continually repeated these words: "I have saved Henry's life." How I blessed the fortunate chance that permitted me to prove to Falmouth that my friendship was warm and true. Until then, though I was entirely absorbed in my affection for him, I felt that there was wanting some great sacrifice, which would be a solemn consecration of my devotedness.