“A cutthroat crew, to be sure,” said Sankey. “And now, if you have feasted your eyes on them long enough, we can sway you down into the boat.”
Hornblower came hurrying down from the quarterdeck and went down on his knee beside the stretcher.
“Are you all right, sir?” he asked anxiously.
“Yes, thank’ee,” said Bush.
“I’ll have your gear packed and sent ashore after you, sir.”
“Thank you.”
“Careful with those slings,” snapped Hornblower, as the tackles were being attached to the stretcher.
“Sir! Sir!” Midshipman James was dancing about at Hornblower elbow, anxious for his attention. “Boat’s heading for us with a captain aboard.”
That was news demanding instant consideration.
“Goodbye, sir,” said Hornblower. “Best of luck, sir. See you soon.”