“Yes; but he would behave just the same as the other,” said the engineer.
“Here’s Dave,” said Dick. “Hoy, Dave!”
The decoy-man came slowly down toward the shore to meet them, and waved his hand in answer to Dick’s call.
“Oh, I am sorry!” cried the latter. “I wish I’d brought him something too. I daresay he’s as bad as John Warren.”
Dave’s appearance proved the truth of Dick’s assertion. The decoy-man never looked healthy, but now he seemed ghastly of aspect and exceedingly weak, as he leaned upon the tall staff he held in his hand.
“We’ve come to see how you are, Dave,” cried Dick as the boat bumped up against the boggy edge of the landing-place.
“That’s kindly, Mester Dick. Servant, mester. How do, neighbour?”
Dave’s head went up and down as if he had a hinge at the back; and as the party landed, he too shivered and looked exceedingly feverish and ill.
“Why, Dave, my man, you ought to see a doctor!” said Mr Marston, kindly.
“Nay, sir, no good to do ought but bear it. Soon be gone. Only a shivering fit.”