"Another? There is old Martin of course, but there is no other."
The little nurse laughed, this time scornfully.
"Old Martin indeed! He is making a shameless pretence of ignorance,
Inspector Dickson."
"Disgraceful bluff I call it," cried the Inspector.
"Who can it be?" said Cameron. "I really don't know any nurse. Of course
it can't be--Mandy--Miss Haley?" He laughed a loud laugh almost of
derision as he made the suggestion.
"Ah, he's got it!" cried the nurse, clapping her hands. "As if he ever
doubted."
"Good Heavens!" exclaimed Cameron. "You don't mean to tell me that
Mandy--What is poor Mandy doing here? Cooking?"
"Cooking indeed!" exclaimed the nurse. "Cooking indeed! Just let the men
in this camp, from John here," indicating the Chinaman at the rear
of the tent, "to the Sergeant yonder, hear you by the faintest tone
indicate anything but adoration for Nurse Haley, and you will need the
whole Police Force to deliver you from their fury."
"Good Heavens!" said Cameron in an undertone. "A nurse! With those
hands!" He shuddered. "I mean, of course--you know--she's awfully
good-hearted and all that, but as a nurse you know she is impossible."
The little nurse laughed long and joyously.
"Oh, this is fun! I wish Dr. Martin could hear you. You forget, Sir,
that for a year and a half she has had the benefit of my example and
tuition.
Pages:
456
457
458
459
460
461
462
463
464
465
466
467
468
469
470
471
472
473
474
475
476
477
478
479
480