with the silk and needles to keep me supplied. My old case yielded
also a roll or so of bandage. By the time Burns was attempting an
incoordinate movement or two, the operation was over and the
instruments put out of sight.

His condition was good. The men carried him to the tent, where
Jones sat beside him, and the other men stood outside, uneasy and
watchful, looking in.

The operating-case, with its knives, came in for its share of
scrutiny, and I felt that an explanation was due the men. To tell
the truth, I had forgotten all about the case. Perhaps I swaggered
just a bit as I went over to wash my hands. It was my first
opportunity, and I was young, and the Girl was there.

"I see you looking at my case, boys," I said. "Perhaps I'm a little
late explaining, but I guess after what you've seen you'll understand.
The case belonged to my grandfather, who was a surgeon. He was in
the war. That case was at Gettysburg."

"And because of your grandfather you brought it on shipboard!" Clarke
said nastily.

"No. I'm a cub doctor myself. I'd been sick, and I needed the sea
and a rest."

They were not so impressed as I had expected--or perhaps they had
known all along. Sailors are a secretive lot.

"I'm thinking we'll all be getting a rest soon," a voice said. "What