“Oh, it was Tom May did the most of it, Dick.”
“Did he help?” continued the lad. “Ah, he’s a good fellow,—Tom May. But I’m all right now, doctor; and where’s the fish?”
The lad stared about him in a puzzled way, for he had become conscious of the fact that those around him were roaring with laughter, an outburst which was gradually subsiding, while those most affected were wiping their eyes, when his last query about the fish set them off again.
“Why, doctor,” said the captain, trying to look serious, but evidently enjoying the mirth as much as any one present, “who is going to doubt the efficacy of your medicine after this? The very mention of it in Mr Roberts’s hearing acted upon him like magic. Did you see how he started up like the man in the old tooth tincture advertisement—‘Ha, ha! Cured in an instant!’”
“Oh yes, sir,” said the doctor grimly; “but it’s all very fine. You are all glad of my help sometimes.”
“Of course, my dear Reston,” said the captain. “No one slights you and your skill; but you must own that it was comic to see how Mr Roberts started up the moment you said physic.”
“Oh yes, it was droll enough,” said the doctor good-humouredly. “There, Roberts, if you feel well enough to do without my draught I will not mix one. What do you say?”
“Oh, I’m all right now, sir,” cried the lad—“at least I shall be as soon as I’ve changed.”
“Off with you, then,” said the doctor; and catching hold of Murray’s proffered arm, Roberts and his friend hurried below.