Jack the Ripper – A Love Story ( Excerpt 127 )

Jack the Ripper – A Love Story ( Excerpt 127 )

  ‘I’m not doubting your sincerity, Doctor, but what do you know about typhoid? asked the Colonel.

‘The figures for this conflict came direct from the War Office, My experience with typhoid and for that matter, cholera too, came from practising my profession in the East End of London for twelve years. Whitechapel to be precise, where I dealt with several outbreaks of both diseases. I have first – hand knowledge of their cause and effect! ‘I stated confidently.

‘Bravo!’ said the Colonel, much to my astonishment, ‘ You don’t really think that I would let you loose on my men, without first checking your credentials. By all accounts you are a modern Doctor with a reputation as a bit of a crusader, but the part that impressed me the most was that your patients always come first. And on that basis I will trust you with my men, In fact I will go so far as to endorse the scheme with Headquarters.’

For the first time in ages, I was lost for words I grasped the Colonel’s hand and shook it whilst trying to come up with words that suitably summed up my gratitude.

The Adjutant intervened, ‘There, is a stateroom on the upper deck, that, you may have the use of, I will assign you a sergeant and ten men initially and we will see how you progress? Are you ready to begin tomorrow?

‘That’s not a problem, thank you so much Gentlemen, I promise I won’t fail you!’ I stated.

‘There was never any doubt in our minds!’ replied the Colonel.

(C) Damian Grange 2019