"'It was Big Belly there,' says he, helping me to my feet…. 'These fellows don't understand our ways.'
"'That's the worst of dabbling in dirty water,' says I.
"'Ah, it's not the water—it's the fish you meet in it I mind,' he says.
"He picked up my sword, and gave it me.
"I was trying to walk.
"'Here, take my arm,' says he. 'You've had about two ton o bad man upset on top o you.' And he walked me up and down that beach, tender as a lady—pon my soul he did.
"Just then I heard a holloa.
"'No time to cut to waste, my lord,' sings out someone. 'We've a clear run now, but only knows how long we shall have.'
"Then I saw the Kite's long-boat beached close by, and Diamond and a couple of his chaps standing by.
"The lord took me to a rock, and made me sit down.