By the time that this was done the other
doctor, an older man, put in an appearance, and together they made a
rapid examination of the injuries.
Belle stood by holding a basin of water. She did not speak, and on her
face was that same fixed look of horror which Harold had observed
after the discharge of the gun.
When the examination was finished the two doctors whispered together
for a few seconds.
"Will he live?" asked Mr. Quest.
"We cannot say," answered the older doctor. "We do not think it likely
that he will. It depends upon the extent of his injuries, and whether
or no they have extended to the spine. If he does live he will
probably be paralysed to some extent, and must certainly lose the
hearing of the right ear."
When she heard this Belle sank down upon a chair overwhelmed. Then the
two doctors, assisted by Harold, set to work to carry Edward Cossey
into another room which had been rapidly prepared, leaving Mr. Quest
alone with his wife.
He came, stood in front of her, looked her in the face, and then
laughed.
"Upon my word," he said, "we men are bad enough, but you women beat us
in wickedness."
"What do you mean?" she said faintly.
"I mean that you are a murderess, Belle," he said solemnly. "And you
are a bungler, too.
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