"Can you say what's known
at your hospital?"
"Very little," replied the house-surgeon. "They entered, as students
there--we have several foreigners--about last Christmas--perhaps at the
New Year. All that I know of them is that they were like most Easterns--
very quiet, unassuming, inoffensive fellows, very assiduous in their
studies and duties, never giving any trouble, and very punctual in their
attendance."
"And, you say, they haven't been seen at the hospital for some days?"
continued Ayscough. "Now, can you tell me--it's important--since what
precise date they've been absent?"
The house-surgeon reflected for a moment--then he suddenly drew out a
small memorandum book from an inner pocket.
"Perhaps I can," he answered, turning the pages over. "Yes--both these men
should have been in attendance on me--a class of my own, you know--on the
20th, at 10.35. They didn't turn up. I've never seen them since--in fact,
I'm sure they've never been at the hospital since."
"The 20th?" observed Ayscough. He looked at Melky, who was paying great
attention to the conversation. "Now let's see--old Mr.
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