I suppose he has taken himself off to a surgeon's."
It was possible, but unlikely, as none knew better than Val Elster. To
get to the surgeon's he would have to pass his own house, and would be
more likely to go in, and send for Mr. Hillary, than walk on with a
disabled foot. Besides, if he had gone to the surgeon's, he would not
stay there all this time. "I don't know what to do," said Percival
Elster; and there was the same blank, perplexed look on his face that was
observed the first time he came in. "I don't much like the appearance of
things."
"Why, you don't think anything's wrong with him!" exclaimed young
Carteret, starting-up with an alarmed face. "He's safe to turn up, isn't
he?"
"Of course he will turn up," answered Val, in a dreamy tone. "Only this
uncertainty, as to where to look for him, is not pleasant."
Dr. Ashton motioned Val to his side. "Are you fearing an accident?" he
asked in low tones.
"No, sir."
"I am. That current by the mill is so fearfully strong; and if your
brother had not the use of his one arm--and the boat was drawn onwards,
beyond his control--and upset--"
Dr. Ashton paused. Val Elster looked rather surprised.
"How could it upset, sir? The skiffs are as safe as this floor. I don't
fear that in the least: what I do fear is that Edward may be in some
out-of-the-way nook, insensible from pain, and won't be found until
daylight.
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