“My fish! Ah, yes; you shall look at them for me.”
“But it really is nice and fresh on deck, sir.”
“Yes, for you.”
“And it seems to be doing Mr Denning and his sister ever so much good.”
Mr Preddle rose suddenly to his elbow.
“Miss— They are not on deck?” he said eagerly. “What, Mr and Miss Denning?”
“Yes,” I said, looking at him wonderingly, for he appeared to be so excited. “Oh yes; he’s sitting up there, looking at the sea, and his sister’s standing by his chair.”
“Would—would you mind helping me on with a few of my things, Mr Dale?” he said hurriedly, as he began to creep out of his berth. “It’s so awkward dressing when the ship sways about so. It makes me feel giddy.”
“Oh yes; I’ll help you,” I said.
“Thank you; it’s very kind of you. The captain is quite right, and I’m not doing what I ought about those fish. I will go and see to them. So much time and expense was devoted to—oh, my gracious!”