“What is the boy’s temperature?”
“One hundred and four,” answered the surgeon.
“You have a nurse with him?”
“Yes, sir.”
“See that nothing is omitted that will make for his comfort. Mr. Coates, you see to it that the affidavits of the witnesses to that heroic rescue, are taken at once. Have them ready for my signature at the earliest possible moment as I wish to forward them to Washington no later than to-morrow morning, with especial recommendation for Ordinary Seaman Davis.”
“Ordinary Seaman Hickey requests permission to sit with the man Davis, sir,” announced a messenger.
“Permit Ordinary Seaman Hickey to do whatever he wishes on this ship so long as his requests are not in violation of regulations,” replied the captain, with emphasis. “There is a divan in my bedroom that he can sleep on. Keep me informed, doctor, on the lad’s condition.”
“Very good, sir.”
“Is Kester in a serious condition?”
“I think not. He should be around in a few days at the most. He is too tough to be downed thus easily.”