I did not take the trouble to answer this piece of impertinence, at
which I was not surprised; rather, in fact, was I gratified that my
estimate of Alexis was so correct. I knew, too, that further letters
would come from him, as soon as his money was spent. I hoped that by
then Rudarlia would be in a condition that would enable me to give a
negative answer to his blackmailing; if not, well, I could afford a few
thousands more if it was necessary.
So determined was I to perfect our fighting force, that I engaged a
retired English army surgeon to superintend, and place on a proper
footing, our army medical corps. This was a branch that had been
completely neglected, but now, run on British lines, it became
absolutely splendid and our doctors were magnificent.