His brows contracted. "Why do you call me a boy?" he interrupted. "I am nineteen years old, and you are not much more than that."
She laughed, and her white teeth made him ready to fall down and worship her.
"You have done as much," said she, "as any man could do, and more."
Then she held out her hand, and he came and took it.
"Truly you are a man," she said, and looking steadfastly into his face, she added, "how very, very much I owe you!"
He didn't say anything at all, this Dickory; just stood and looked at her. As many a one has been before, he was more grateful for the danger out of which he had plucked the fair young woman than she was thankful for the deliverance.
Just then Dame Charter called them to breakfast. When they were at the table, they talked of what was to be done next; and as, above everything else, Miss Kate desired to know where her father was and why he hadn't come aboard the Sarah Williams, Dickory offered to go to the town for news.
"I hate to ask too much, after all you have done," said the girl, "but after you have seen my father and told him everything, for he must be in sore trouble, would you mind rowing to our house and bringing me some clothes? Madam Bonnet will understand what I need; and she too will want to know what has become of me."
"Of course I will do that," cried Dickory, grateful for the chance to do her service.
"And if you happen to see Mr. Newcombe in the town, will you tell him where I am?"