Part 38 (1/2)

”Oh yes, sir,” said the doctor grimly; ”but it's all very fine. You are all glad of my help sometimes.”

”Of course, my dear Reston,” said the captain. ”No one slights you and your skill; but you must own that it was comic to see how Mr Roberts started up the moment you said physic.”

”Oh yes, it was droll enough,” said the doctor good-humouredly. ”There, Roberts, if you feel well enough to do without my draught I will not mix one. What do you say?”

”Oh, I'm all right now, sir,” cried the lad--”at least I shall be as soon as I've changed.”

”Off with you, then,” said the doctor; and catching hold of Murray's proffered arm, Roberts and his friend hurried below.

CHAPTER TWENTY.

IN THE DOCTOR'S HANDS.

Before the two middies had completed their change there was a tap at the cabin door, and in answer to the ”Come in” Tom May's head was thrust through the opening, his face puckered up into a friendly grin.

”Getting all right again, gentlemen?” he said.

”Oh yes, Tom,” cried Roberts excitedly, and he eagerly held out his hand, and catching the sailor by the shoulder dragged him inside. ”I wanted to see you, Tom, and thank you for saving my life.”

”For what, sir?” said Tom sharply.

”For so bravely saving my life.”

”Oh, I say, sir,” grumbled the man, speaking bashfully, ”if I'd ha'

knowed as you was going on like that I'm blessed if I'd ha' come down.”

”Why, there was nothing to be ashamed of, Tom,” said Murray warmly.

”Oh no, sir; I warn't ashamed to come down. I were on'y too glad to say a word to Mr Roberts like and see him come round.”

”I'm glad too,” said Murray; ”and he feels very grateful to you for being so brave.”

”I warn't brave, Mr Murray, sir. I did nowt. It was you--it was him, Mr Roberts, sir. He sings out, 'Man overboard!' and takes a header arter you, and what was I to do? He's my orficer, sir, and I was obliged to go arter him. You sees that?”

”Yes, yes, Tom,” cried Roberts warmly. ”He acted very bravely.”

”Oh, drop it!” cried Murray.

”Course he did, sir,” said the sailor. ”I on'y obeyed orders.”

”Will you both drop it!” cried Murray angrily. ”What's the use of making a fuss about nothing? You're all right again, Tom?”

”Me, sir? Right as ninepence. Never had nowt the matter with me.

'Sides,” continued the man, with a grin, ”I had the doctor to look at me.”

”Oh, I say,” said Roberts eagerly, ”he didn't give you any of his stuff, did he?”

”No, sir; but he wanted to.”