“Yes, sir,” I said; “but he had quite an accident on deck,” and I looked half-smilingly in the young doctor’s face, for it was he.
“Accident? Hurt?” he said, eagerly.
“Oh no, sir. He was going up to speak to Miss Denning and her brother, and the ship lurched, and he came down sitting.”
“Oh!” said the doctor, and it struck me at the time that he looked rather pleased.
Chapter Six.
The next morning broke bright and glorious. We were right away in the open sea now, going south before a brisk north-west breeze, which was just enough to make the water dance and glitter in the sunshine, as the Burgh Castle with a full press of sail careened gently over. While feeling fresh and eager, I thought how delightful the ocean looked, and was eager to see what the tropic waters would have to show.
“Here, Dale,” said the captain, “this sort of thing won’t do. Where’s your messmate—Walters?”
“He’s a little better this morning, sir, but not out of his bunk.”