The cracking of the coachman's whip, and an occasional loud
shout and the jangling of the bells, gave, however, sufficient
warning of their approach.
Charlie smiled at the alacrity with which every one sprang out of
the way, and either leapt into doorways or squeezed themselves
against the wall. He was surprised, however, to see that not only
did the townspeople show no resentment, at the reckless pace at
which the carriage was driven, but that the soldiers, officers as
well as men, cleared out as quickly, and without any expression of
indignation or anger.
Indeed, most of them, as soon as they gained a place of safety,
saluted his companion.
"These Russians have evidently a higher respect for their doctors
than have the Swedes," he said to himself. "I am sure that not even
the chief surgeon of the army would be treated with anything like
the same respect, and, indeed, no one would recognize him at all,
if he were not in uniform."
The doctor seemed to pay no attention to what was passing round
him, but was muttering angrily to himself. It was not until they
dashed out into the open country that he seemed to remember
Charlie's presence at his side.
"These people are enough to vex one of the saints, by their
stupidity," he said.
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