“Sleeping comfortably there while you’ve been up at work all night.”
“Nothing of the kind, my boy. Mr Morgan relieved us at three, and I’ve had five hours’ sleep since then. Here they come.”
Mr Gregory and Mr Morgan entered the cabin directly, both looking as calm and comfortable as if nothing had disturbed them. After the first greetings the first-mate began to look round the cabin.
“What’s wrong, Gregory?” said the captain.
“Wrong!” said the first-mate. “Nothing. I was only looking after that dog.”
“Why, surely you don’t want to send him ashore?”
“Ashore, nonsense! Very fine dog, sir. I should like to have him. Ah, there you are!”
For just then Bruff came slowly and sedately into the cabin from a walk round the deck, and going straight up to the mate, blinked at him, and gave his tail two wags before going under the table to lay his head in his master’s lap.
“Well, Morgan, how are you getting on?” asked the captain.
“Splendidly, sir. Quite like home to have a lady pouring out the coffee.”