Part 27 (1/2)
”But it answered all purposes, d.i.c.k.”
”Humph! Maybe; but it looked so small, especially when we had all our guns loaded and the men ready for action.”
”Patience,” said Murray merrily, taking up the captain's words.
”Patience! You boys--hot-blooded boys are always in such a hurry. Wait a bit, old chap, and when we catch up to the Yankee we're to have a turn at the boarding. You'll have a try, eh?”
”Will I?” said the boy, s.c.r.e.w.i.n.g up his features and setting his teeth hard. ”Will I! Yes!”
”Mean it?”
”Yes, I believe so,” said Roberts thoughtfully. ”I felt ready for anything when those war canoes were coming on, and I believe I should feel just the same if the lads were standing ready to board the schooner. But I don't know; perhaps I should be all of a squirm. I don't want to brag. It all depends. Those who make the most fuss, Frank, do the least. We shall see.”
”Yes,” said Murray, looking at his comrade with a curious, searching gaze; ”we shall see.”
CHAPTER FIFTEEN.
THE DOCTOR IS RILED.
It was with a peculiar feeling of relief that all on board the sloop pa.s.sed out into the open and saw the dull green banks of the mangrove forest fading away astern. For there had been a haunting feeling of depression hanging over the vessel which seemed to affect the spirits of officers and men.
”Hah!” said the doctor, coming up to where the two middies were gazing over the stern rail, ”that's a comfort, boys. I can breathe freely now.”
”Yes,” said Murray; ”the air seems so much fresher and makes one feel more elastic, sir. Gives one more of an appet.i.te.”
”What!” said the doctor drily. ”More of an appet.i.te, eh? I never noticed that you two wanted that. Gracious, how much do you want to devour!”
”Oh, I say, doctor, I don't eat so much,” said Murray, protesting.
”No, sir; it isn't _so_ much; it's too much.”
”You're mixing us up, doctor,” said the lad mischievously, and he gave the professional gentleman a peculiarly meaning look. ”You were thinking of Roberts.”
”Here, what's that?” said the middy sharply. ”I'm sure I never eat more than a fellow of my age and size should.”
”Oh, I say, d.i.c.k,” said Murray. ”Hear him, doctor? Why, I've seen the mess steward open his eyes sometimes with wonder.”
”Tchah! He's always opening his eyes with wonder, staring at everything. He's a regular idiot.”
”Ah, well,” said Murray, ”I don't want to draw comparisons.”
”Then don't do it,” cried Roberts warmly.
”Don't be so peppery, my lad,” said the doctor.
”Well, I don't want to be accused of gluttony or eating to excess.”
”Pooh! Don't mind what he says,” said the doctor good-humouredly. ”I hate excess, but it does me good to see growing boys make a hearty meal.”
”Frank Murray's too fond of bantering, doctor,” said Roberts; and then, involuntarily pa.s.sing a finger tenderly over the spots where the incipient bits of whisker had been singed off, ”I don't quite look upon myself as a growing boy.”