“Hello! what brought you out?” he exclaimed.
“I didn’t want to drown alone,” replied the stout boy. “We’re all going to the bottom, do you know it?”
“The officers of the boat say not,” returned Oliver. “They say it is quite an ordinary storm.”
“I call it a most extraordinary, howling, rambunctious cyclone,” said Gus. “I’m expecting the ship to turn clear over any moment.”
Oliver introduced his companion to Mr. Whyland, and their mutual sympathy soon placed them on the plane of friendship. But Gus was too sick to remain long, and before a great while retired again to the stateroom, whither he was presently followed by Oliver.
“What do you think of Mr. Whyland?” asked the latter.
“Very nice man,” returned Gus. “I’d like him still better if he would only order this storm to stop. Creation! it seems to me I’d give all I’m worth to be on land once more!”
“Then you don’t think you would care to be a sailor, to sail the briny deep?” asked Oliver with a smile.
“Sailor!” Gus uttered the word in deep disgust.