But they all knew that the small boat had sailed clear across the sea to help them, and they all wanted to show how glad and grateful they were that a real doctor had come to their help.
Pretty soon the little boats coming from the schooners were flocking round them like ants about a sugar-bowl.
One man came after all the rest had gone.
His boat was little better than a bunch of boards with a dab of tar here and there.
For a long time the rower sat still, looking up at Dr. Grenfell, who leaned over the rail gazing down at him.
By and by the fisherman broke the silence.
"Be you a real doctor, sir?"
"That's what I call myself," answered Grenfell.
"What's your name?"
"Grenfell."