“I was waiting for my turn,” replied Brace heartily.
And again there was a warm pressure of hands exchanged.
“I say, both of you,” said the second mate, in a low voice: “you don’t think I was very cowardly over it, do you?”
“Cowardly?” cried Briscoe. “My dear fellow, I think you behaved like a hero.”
“No,” said Lynton, flushing. “You mean Mr Brace here.”
“He means we all behaved well,” said Brace laughingly; “and I think you ought to say a few words to the men.”
“That’s what I feel, sir; but don’t you think it would come better from you?”
“Certainly not. You ought to speak. You are their officer.”
“Perhaps Mr Briscoe would not object to speaking to them?”
“No; it would come best from you: so say something at once.”