Company Of Spears

‘No,’ said Sam, in a tone not altogether certain. ‘Let me explain – so far as we may surmise, for positive knowledge has not yet been vouched-safe to us. What is a germ, animalcula, call it what you will? We do not rightly know. Imagine, however – for I believe the comparison apt, not least for its etymology – a germ is like a seed, wholly aboriginal. No wheat can grow but from a wheat seed, no oak tree but from an acorn. Likewise, no specific disease can be reproduced unless there is a germ of that disease present in the nidus.’

‘Nidus?’

‘Your Latin?’

‘Ah, indeed.’

‘Just so: the nest of the infection.’

‘Which is situate where?’

Sam raised his hands. ‘That is the question: in the air, or water, or feculence. That is what science must address itself to.’

For the moment, Hervey had quite forgotten the troubles of the night and his smarting over the vexed order. He wanted to know more, for it revealed as much about Sam Kirwan as it did of veterinary science. ‘How do these “germs” get into the nest?’

Sam declared that that was yet another question. He explained that, taking the seed analogy further, in order for the acorn to grow into an oak the climatical conditions must be favourable, otherwise it would lie dormant. He believed it was possible for germs to be present in the horse ab origine, and that if the favourable conditions were understood, germination of the disease could be prevented. But the point was, what should be the treatment of the disease once it had developed? The symptoms must be treated, of course, for they were enervating, even fatal, but – and here he admitted that his analogy was uncertain – it was not known if the germ remained active within the body once the disease had developed. If it did, then only by destroying the germ could the disease be terminated, unless it somehow reverted to dormancy in the natural course of things. ‘This,’ he concluded, ‘is another of the areas in which science must ask impertinent questions.’

Hervey, tired though he was, followed the reasoning well enough – testimony, he observed, to the veterinarian’s powers of clear thinking. ‘The farriers are well able to ameliorate the symptoms, under your direction, but how is the germ itself to be destroyed? To begin with, are you able to see it?’

Sam inclined his head. ‘Were I to know where to look, perhaps, and had I a microscope with the power to see so small a thing. But how should I recognize it?’

‘It would not be evident? I remember once being told that a bird was best recognized by observing what it did.’

‘That is very true. And it would be well therefore to observe the blood of both the diseased animal and the healthy – and the excreta and mucus.’

Hervey now sat up, as if to say he had other things to be about. ‘Eminently sensible. And that is presumably what you have been able to do in the case of A Troop’s sick?’

‘To a point, but, as I said, I do not have a microscope with one hundredth of the power I might need to see a germ at work.’

Hervey frowned, but with a wry smile. ‘It seems to me therefore that you could never disprove your theory; only demonstrate the need of a more powerful microscope.’

Sam shrugged. ‘Neither do I think this country is the best place to observe, for all the sick in A Troop’s lines. Which is why, Hervey – and I would have wished to tell you in more agreeable circumstances – I have applied to the East India Company for employment.

The tropics are the place to observe diseases. The virulence is much more marked.’

Hervey was on the edge of his chair, dismayed. ‘There’s no doubt the tropics are the place to contract the most wretched of diseases! Sam, I’m uncommonly sorry you want to leave us, and so soon. Your stock will be awful high in both mess and canteen, the way you’ve handled things. Is there nothing will induce you to change your mind?’

Sam smiled thankfully and shook his head. ‘Believe me, Hervey, nothing would otherwise induce me to leave. The regiment is well-found, and, in truth, I find association with you wholly agreeable. But I have a most determined sense in this: I wish to make my science where it is hot, for heat is the nursemaid of contagion. You will be the first to read of my conclusions, I assure you!’

Hervey knew there were times when a prudent officer withdrew and let his subordinates carry on, whether they were other officers or NCOs. And now was such a time. Without him in barracks for the regimental staff to consult, or to make the troop officers look over their shoulders, what needed to be done would be done, and much the more expeditiously. Besides, he wanted time to think over a number of matters. As much as anything he wanted to dine with his old friend, Peto. He had no stauncher ally than Captain, lately Commodore, Sir Laughton Peto K.C.B. He enjoyed his company as much as he did Eyre Somervile’s, and it was true beyond doubt that he owed his life – twice – to Peto’s address, which made something particular of their friendship.