“Oh, that’s it, is it?” said Edward, rising. “You’ll soon get used to it. Not much of a sailor I suppose?”
“Not a bit of one, but mean to be. I say, who are you?”
“Steward, and I suppose you are to be my mate?”
“Oh, am I?” said Edward; “very well, anything for a change.”
The steward turned and left the cabin, for there were steps, and directly after Jack appeared at the door, tried to walk steadily to a seat, but a sudden careening over sent him to port, and he would have fallen heavily if the man had not made an effort to save him, when they went down together, the man undermost.
“Quite welcome, sir,” said Edward, struggling up and helping Jack to a seat. “Sorry I ain’t a bit fatter, sir; only if I was you I’d hold on till I get used to it, in case I’m not always there to be buffer.”
“Oh!” groaned Jack, whose face was ghastly.
“Why, Mr Jack, sir, don’t look like that. You fight it down. Feel a bit queer?”
“Horrible, Ned. Help me to get to my berth.”
“Oh, I wouldn’t cave in, sir. It’ll soon go off.”