“What are you amused with, Mr Keene, may I ask?” said the captain, rather gravely.
“I beg your pardon, sir, for venturing so in your presence,” replied I; “but it is Mr Culpepper’s report of killed and wounded;” which I then took up, and handed to the captain.
This proof of Mr Culpepper’s state of mind during the conflict was too much for even Captain Delmar, who laughed outright.
“The old fool,” muttered he.
“You may go now, Mr Keene. If breakfast is ready, tell Mr Hippesley to let the men have it as soon as possible.”
“Aye, aye, sir,” replied I, and bowing respectfully, I quitted the cabin; for I felt that Captain Delmar thought that he had not been quite so reserved towards me as he always wished to be.
As soon as I had given the captain’s orders, I went down to find out Tommy Dott. He was in his hammock, next to mine, in which I had put the young Dutch officer. Dott was wide awake, and, apparently, very feverish.
“Where are you hurt, Tommy?”
“I am sure I don’t know,” said he. “Get me some water, Keene.”
I got a pannikin of water, and he drank it.