“You are not fit for it, sir,” answered Dan Davis, barring the way. “Please, sir, sit down and rest yourself. We are fresh and you are not.”
“You are——”
The words seemed to stick in the ensign’s mouth.
“My lad, I think you have quite as much right to rest as have I. Stand aside,” he added in a stern tone.
Dan fell back. The officer began working over the body of the diver, bringing his longer experience into play. In a very short time Kester was coughing and choking. It appeared almost as if he were strangling.
“Shall we get under way, sir?” questioned the coxswain.
“Are we all here?”
“Yes, sir. The other boats are tied astern, their crews on board.”
“Get under way as quickly as possible. Run as fast as you dare. These men need the attention of the surgeon.”
“Aye, aye, sir. Full speed ahead!”