“And will he live?” asked the Earl, his dark eyes as black as pitch.
“I could not say, my Lord. I have seen men survive wounds such as this, but the next twenty-fours hours will be crucial. Should he survive them, then there is every chance he will recover. I cannot tell what damage has been done to his organs and we can only hope and pray that the bullet did not pass through his liver.”
“Is there no way of telling?”
“I am afraid not. We cannot see inside the patient. There is no bleeding from the mouth, which is a good sign but, other than that, it’s a matter of time and prayer.”
The Earl stared at his friend. “He might die?” he asked suddenly.
“It’s a possibility. He will need careful nursing.”
“Then, he shall have whatever he needs, money is no object, doctor. Will you arrange a n
