“Oh no, sir; I warn’t ashamed to come down. I were on’y too glad to say a word to Mr Roberts like and see him come round.”
“I’m glad too,” said Murray; “and he feels very grateful to you for being so brave.”
“I warn’t brave, Mr Murray, sir. I did nowt. It was you—it was him, Mr Roberts, sir. He sings out, ‘Man overboard!’ and takes a header arter you, and what was I to do? He’s my orficer, sir, and I was obliged to go arter him. You sees that?”
“Yes, yes, Tom,” cried Roberts warmly. “He acted very bravely.”
“Oh, drop it!” cried Murray.
“Course he did, sir,” said the sailor. “I on’y obeyed orders.”
“Will you both drop it!” cried Murray angrily. “What’s the use of making a fuss about nothing? You’re all right again, Tom?”
“Me, sir? Right as ninepence. Never had nowt the matter with me. ’Sides,” continued the man, with a grin, “I had the doctor to look at me.”
“Oh, I say,” said Roberts eagerly, “he didn’t give you any of his stuff, did he?”
“No, sir; but he wanted to.”