“It’s a rum un,” he said, rubbing one ear, and slowly taking off and wringing his jacket to get rid of the water.
“You’re not hurt, then?” said the captain, anxiously.
“Hurt, sir? No, I don’t know as I’m hurt, sir, but I’m precious wet.”
“How far did you go down?” cried Mark.
“How far did I go down?” said Billy, sulkily. “Miles!”
“Was it very hot, my man?” said the major.
“Hot! Well, if tumbling down a well like that there, and then being shot up again like a pellet out of a pop-gun aren’t getting it hot, I should like to know what is?”
“I mean was the water very hot?” said the major, as the men, now that there was no danger, began to grin.
“’Bout as hot as I likes it, sir; just tidy,” replied Billy.
“But what did it feel like?” said Mark; “I mean falling down there.”