“Well, and they found ’em—at least one of ’em did,—a beautiful round specimen of lead mineral; and he liked it so well he put it into his bosom. But I’m told it didn’t agree with him!” Alexander was carefully carried to his chamber and laid upon his bed. Around him stood Doctor Dietz, Mr. Tredegar, John Simms, and one or two of the servants of the hotel. In this more favorable position, his wounds were more carefully examined and skilfully dressed. Both wounds were found to be very serious. He was relieved of his blood-stained garments and put into a clean suit of under clothes, and again laid back upon his pillow. During this process he had given but few signs of consciousness—only groaning slightly when being moved, as if motion distressed his lacerated chest. And then the room was darkened. “Now let him rest quietly,” said Doctor Dietz. “But will you not give him something?” inquired Francis Tredegar. “No.” “No opiate?” “Certainly not.” “No anodyne?” “Nothing. Let him rest for the present, only renew as they become heated, the cold water compresses on his wounds.” Francis Tredegar constituted himself head nurse, and seated himself beside his patient. Major Zollenhoffar entered the room. “Prince Ernest leaves by the ten o’clock boat for Southampton; but wishes to know the state of the gentleman before he goes,” whispered the Major to Mr. Tredegar. “I was about to go and report to the Prince,” said Doctor Dietz. “His Highness requests that you will not leave your charge so long, as he may require your assistance. His Highness will dispense with your services about his own person for the present. But he requests that you will keep him informed of the progress of your patient,” said Major Zollenhoffar. The surgeon bowed low in acquiescence with the prince’s behests. “I hope this arrangement may meet your approbation, sir,” said the Major, courteously turning towards Mr. Tredegar. “It excites my gratitude, sir,” replied Francis Tredegar. “It excites my warmest gratitude. We could not probably find such surgical skill for ourselves.” With another bow and an earnestly expressed hope that the wounded man might yet do well, the Major took leave, and returned to his master, leaving the patient in charge of Doctor Dietz, Francis Tredegar and Simms. Within an hour Prince Ernest and all his suite, except his surgeon, embarked for England. And _we_ must return to General Lyon and Dick Hammond. CHAPTER XXVI. THE PURSUIT. The distant danger greater still appears; Less fears he, who is near the thing he fears. With many imprecations on the rashness and folly of young men in general and of his own nephew in particular, the veteran accompanied by Dick, took his seat in the three o’clock train for Southampton.