“And you can eat and drink well?”
The man’s face expanded in a broad smile.
“Goes without saying. There, put on your coat.”
Edward began to put it on.
“Sound as a bell,” said the doctor. “Strong as a horse.”
“Yes, but we want something besides a healthy man.”
“Of course: a good handy, willing fellow, who would not want to come home as soon as he had to rough it and do everything.”
“There ain’t anything I wouldn’t do, gentlemen,” cried Edward. “If you take me, Sir John, I’ll serve you faithful, and you shan’t repent it. May I tell the doctor, Sir John, what I can do?”
“There is no need. He boasts, Instow.”
“Beg pardon, Sir John, it ain’t boasting, it’s honest truth.”