“And what do you want here, sir? Laddie, indeed! Why didn’t you knock?”
“Knock!” said the man, staring, as he came right in.
“I didna come to knock: just to give you the word that it’s all hot and ready now.”
“What’s hot and ready?”
“The few broth I’ve got for you. Ye didna want to be taking doctor’s wash now, but good, strong meaty stuff to build up your flesh and bones.”
Fitz stared.
“Look here, you, Poole Reed; what does this man mean by coming into my cabin like this? Is he mad?”
“No, no,” said Poole, laughing. “It’s all right; I’d forgotten. He asked me if he hadn’t better bring you something every day now for a bit of lunch. It’s all right, Andy. Mr Burnett’s quite ready. Go and fetch it.”
The man nodded, grinned, in no wise hurt by his reception, and backed out again.
“Rum-looking fellow, isn’t he, Mr Burnett?”