“I will when it becomes necessary,” I said quietly; “but you are going to be better.”
He shook his head, and Miss Denning gazed at me wildly.
“Oh, come,” I cried, “don’t look at the black side of things. It was enough to make you much worse, having to go through all that trouble; but we’ve got rid of the mutineers, gone through an explosion and a fire, and all sorts of other trouble. You’ll soon feel better when we are all straight again.”
“That’s what I tell him,” said Miss Denning eagerly, “but he only shakes his head at me.”
“And he doesn’t know so well as I do.”
“Had your breakfast, Dale, my lad?” cried Mr Brymer cheerily. “Good-morning, Miss Denning. Well, Mr Denning, we’re winning the battle.”
“Then you will save the ship?” cried Mr Denning.
“Oh yes, I think so now,” said Mr Brymer quietly. “Miss Denning, it is almost an insult to ask you, but if you could find time to help us a little!”
“Yes,” she said eagerly. “What can I do?”
“I would not ask you, but we are all forced to go on pumping to extinguish the fire, and to a man we are getting exhausted.”