Chapter 75: General Pettygree In Hospital

Date: September 5, 1904 (2015)
Location: St. Georges Hospital, Bombay India
Situation: In Hospital
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Chronology
Sept. 25, 1900: Thugee armistice, recall from India and retirement.
April 30, 1903: Learns armistice broken by resurgent Thugee Army.
May 9, 1903: Recalled to duty in India to break the Thugees.
June 1903: Assumes command in Egypt as a ruse.
September 1903: Secretly departs Egypt for India.
Next four months: Assembles the Army.
Feb. 22, 1904 Gen. Pettygree Arrives at Tapi River Camp near Burhanpur.
Feb. 23, 1904: Battle of Burhanpur.
Feb. 23, 1904: Skull fracture caused by sniper
Mar. 4, 1904: Arrived at St. George Hospital, Bombay, India
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See Previous Chapter 74 here:
http://generalpettygree.blogspot.com/2015/06/chapter-74-am-i-dead.html
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PREVIOUSLY

After General Pettygree was hit by sniper fire, fell off Express and lost consciousness, he awakened seeing....

A very beautiful young woman offering him two opportunities. 

 The first was to cross a bridge to be with gathering friends and family

who had died and forever reside in a place of total peace, joy and love. 

The second was to remain on this side of the bridge to finish a mission he had begun.

Versus an as yet unknown nemesis who would soon take command of the Thugee Host. He would adversely affect millions of people bringing unspeakable horrors and new suffering to India.

"The choice is freely yours to make William."

SIX MONTHS LATER

September 5, 1904: St. Georges Hospital, Fort District, Bombay, India. 

St. Georges was also known as The European General Hospital.

 These patients appear almost or fully recovered.

Whilst others remain under close medical care. 

Everyone had prodigious time on their hands to wait and to talk.

Major Catherwood: "The Berkshires have seen the last of me, General."

Pettygree: "My dear fellow. That's all stuff and nonsense. This time next year...."

Catherwood: "Was your experience real?"

Pettygree: "As authentic as you and I sitting here Donald." 

Catherwood: "Did she...I mean...was there a touch of the hand or?"

Pettygree: "No physical contact though the air was wondrous. Feelings and thinking were striking. Colors were vibrant and I felt more alive and loved than ever before."

Catherwood: "How can you be sure?"

Pettygree: "I suppose if I see her again and...."

Catherwood: "If her prophesy about a new infernal Thuggee leader comes true?"

Orderly: "Begging your pardon General, your visitor has arrived; Lord Basingstoke, Sir."

Pettygree: "Excuse me will you, Donald? We'll talk again tomorrow."

Basingstoke: "Well Doctor? Is General Pettygree fit to return to duty as he claims?"

Dr. Watson: "I believe so Sir." 

Basingstoke: "You believe so? What about the concussion, initial delirium and residual effects?

Dr. Watson: "He has had no relapses, spasms or episodes of incoherence. Mrs. Pettygree arrived here from England a month ago. She has been a tonic for him; better than our medicines. I've no medical reason to hold him here Lord Basingstoke."

Basingstoke: "Hello William. Good to see you well."

Pettygree: "I'm glad to see you, Alec. I hope you will look favorably on my return to duty."

Basingstoke: "After consultation with your doctor and seeing your appearance, I think it is time for you to smash the Thugees forever. Let's get it done this time, shall we? Here are the latest reports."

Pettygree: "Surely this is exaggerated Alec!"

Basingstoke: "I'm afraid not. The situation is more serious than ever. Immediate action is needed. Your orders are enclosed."

Pettygree: "I'll leave for the Field Force in the morning. 8:42 train if I'm not mistaken."

Basingstoke: "I trust without Mary?"

Mary Pettygree: "Did someone mention my name?"

Pettygree: "Mary, my darling. There you are."

Basingstoke: "I'll take my leave now William and see you off in the morning. Good afternoon Mary."

Mary: "Am I to lose you again dear? Steady on and all that?"

Pettygree: "Yes. For the final time I hope. Let's have that cup of tea you promised me. I could --- use --- ah ---"

Mary: "William is something wrong?"

Pettygree: "You again!"

Very Beautiful Young Woman: "Your time has come William. Listen and see what I reveal."

"The anointed dark one has arrived." 

"He assembles his forces with thunderous fanfare."

"They cover the plain. Yet these are not all."

"As the multitude pays him homage."

"He calls many.    Many come.    From divers tribes and nations."

"Even unto the dusty ridge still more come to follow him."

Pettygree: "Who are those men beyond the ridge?"

Mary: "Men? Ridge? What are you talking about William? You act as if you are talking to someone else."

Pettygree:  --- "Oh --- just thinking out loud my dear. Let's have that cup of Darjeeling now, shall we?"

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CLOSING REMARKS
1. The St. George was an actual hospital catering to Europeans in Bombay.

2. Buildings are from Miniature Building Authority.

3. Thank you for looking in.

4. Your remarks are sought and are very welcome below at the word Comments.
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