He was very red in the face as he stepped into Mr Denning’s place by the door, which was now carefully watched in expectation of another attempt to blow it open.
But the minutes glided on, and all grew quiet forward to our great surprise; but we soon knew why, for a man came along bearing some biscuit and cold pork in one hand, a bowl of steaming coffee in the other, and it was evident that he was taking the man at the wheel some breakfast from the meal of which the crew were partaking.
“A good example, captain,” said Mr Frewen. “I can keep on guard here while you people all have some refreshment. They must need it, for I’m sure I do.”
I offered to take Mr Frewen’s place, but he would not hear of it, and matters were compromised by my taking him his breakfast, when some provisions had hastily been placed on the saloon-table; and carrying mine with me, together with a box for our table, dragged down close to the barricade, and between it and the door, we made a hearty meal.
The ladies had come out of their cabins, and I saw how eager Miss Denning was to attend upon her brother and Mr Brymer, for whom, in his wounded state, she seemed to be full of sympathy. Then after attending upon him, she flitted to the captain’s side, while from time to time Mr Frewen looked on, and appeared to be wishing that he too was wounded so as to be waited upon like that. At last the captain spoke.
“There, my dear,” he cried, “not another mouthful for me if you don’t go to your place by your brother, and have something to eat yourself.”
“Oh, but I can have something at any time, Captain Berriman, when you are all busy protecting us.”
“No,” cried Captain Berriman, “not another mouthful.” And he spoke so emphatically, that Miss Denning glanced at her brother, and then at a nod went and sat down.
I noticed that in spite of our position, everybody was making an effort to treat the trouble coolly; even Mr Frewen smiled at me, after glancing through the narrow opening.
“Come, Dale, lad, eat away. Don’t say you’ve got no appetite.”