CHAPTER XXXII.
MATTERS ARRANGED.
Captain Nemo, junior, made an astonishing rally during the night the Grampus was creeping slowly up the shore of British Honduras. He awoke from a refreshing slumber, sound of mind and with an optimistic outlook on life which boded good things for Speake, Gaines, and Clackett.
The doctor, when he called, shook his hand in congratulation.
“You are doing better than I dared to hope, captain,” said he.
“Can I talk business, doctor?” asked the captain.
“As much as you like. Keep on with the same medicine, Cassidy,” the doctor added to the mate; “I don’t think we can improve on that.”
As soon as the doctor had gone, Cassidy made a confession which he had been keeping stored away in his mind for several days. It was a confession of his treachery toward Bob Steele and the rest of his mates aboard the Grampus during the other cruise south to rescue the American consul.
Cassidy did not spare himself, but told the astonishing facts fully and in detail.
Captain Nemo, junior, listened in pained surprise. For several minutes after Cassidy finished he did not speak.
“If you’re going to begin drinking again, Cassidy,” said the captain, “I suppose we ought to part company.”