“Certainly, sir,” said the man, looking abashed.
“You like the doctor as a master, then?” said Frank, with a twinkle of the eye.
“Like him, sir!” cried Sam.
“Well, I think you will like your new master quite as well.”
“I hope so, sir. I’ll do my best. Shall I see him soon?”
“Of course,” said Frank. “There he is. The Hakim, Doctor Morris—the learned surgeon who is going to practise through the Soudan.”
“Oh-h-h!” cried Sam, with his face lighting up. “I see now, gentlemen.”
“But remember,” said the doctor sternly, “the necessity for silence has begun, so keep your own counsel, which will be keeping ours.”
“Yes, sir.”
“Now go and begin putting together the few things you will require on our voyage and journey.”