“There’s your answer, sir,” said the captain; and then turning to the men—“Thankye, my lads, thankye.”
“Yes, that’s my answer,” said Sir John, “and an endorsement of my feeling that I am doing right.”
“And thank you, sir,” said the captain warmly. “We’ll do our duty by you, never fear. Perhaps you’ll say a word to Mr Bartlett, sir,” he whispered. “Good man and true, and a thorough sailor.”
“You will, I hope, keep your post, Mr Bartlett,” said Sir John, turning to him.
“Oh yes, Sir John,” said the mate; “I’m obliged to. Captain Bradleigh’s kind enough to say I am his right hand.”
“And I can’t go without that, can I, young gentleman?”
Jack, who was feeling unduly thrilled and excited by the novel scene, was chilled again, and he only muttered something ungraciously.
“Mr Bartlett will join us at dinner, I hope,” said Sir John; and this being promised, the men were ordered forward, the boat was manned, and, as the whole crew was watching every movement on the part of the visitors, Jack shook hands with captain and mate, and stepped down a little more courageously into the gig, but turned dizzy as he dropped into his seat.
The next minute it was pushed off, and the thrill of excitement ran through the lad again, as the crew suddenly sprang to the shrouds of the three masts, to stand there, holding on by one hand, waving their straw hats and cheering with all their might.
“Jump up, Jack, and give them a cheer back,” cried the doctor.