“Do you mean that I oughtn’t to go and see the poor fellow now he’s below ill?”
“Something of the sort: you’re not a doctor. Of course he ought to visit the men.”
“So ought an officer when his men are in trouble.”
“Yes; but not to make friends of them. It won’t do, Gnat, and we’ve made up our minds not to stand it. That will do now. You have heard what I had to say, and I hope you will profit by it.”
I burst out into a roar of laughter, for Barkins’ assumption of dignity was comic.
“What do you mean by that, sir?” he cried in an offended tone.
“Second-hand captain’s rowing!” I cried. “Why, I heard him say those very words to you.”
“Hi! stop!” cried Smith, as Barkins turned red with annoyance. “Where are you going, sir?”
“Down below to see Ching,” I replied coolly; and I descended the companion-ladder to where the man lay.
He was looking very yellow and gloomy, but as soon as he caught sight of me his face lit up.