“Well, you seem to be settling down very soon.”

“Oh, yes, I’m all right. What’s the good of making a fuss. Going ashore?”

“Yes. Do you want to go?”

Ram shook his head.

“No; I should only see some of our chaps, and it would look as if I’d been splitting on them; and I didn’t, did I?”

“No; you behaved very bravely and well, Ram.”

“Mean it—sir?”

“Yes, I do, indeed.”

“Thank ye—sir,” said Ram. “No, don’t let the skipper send me ashore; and—I say—”

“Yes?”