Jack the Ripper – A Love Story ( Excerpt 128 ) – Malcolm Marsh

Jack the Ripper – A Love Story ( Excerpt 128 )

And so, the following day, after I had breakfasted, I reported to the assigned stateroom to begin my tuition of the Colonel’s troopers. When I arrived, there were ten troopers awaiting my ministrations, they were surprisingly well-behaved, I believed in some part due to the presence of Sergeant McKay, a somewhat stocky Scotsman with a florid complexion. He looked the type of man who would brook no nonsense from Officers or other ranks.

I introduced myself to the troopers, and explained to them why they were there, ‘You may well think this is a waste of time, but what I am about to teach you might well save your life or the life of the comrade sat next to you. If you are not interested in saving lives, see Sergeant McKay and he will find you other suitable employment. If, however you decide to stay, I will teach you skills that can and may save a comrades life!’

There was a little shuffling and muttering, but they all opted to stay. I have no idea whether it was my inspiring speech or the dirty looks that they were getting from Sergeant McKay. Either way I counted it as a minor result, it was a promising start, all it needed now was to pique their interest.

‘Have any of you, any knowledge of First Aid at all?’ I enquired. There was no reaction, but than again I would have been surprised if there was. But at least now I knew the enormity of the task I had taken on. But then I knew it was never going to be an easy ride.