“You said what you would do, sir, at first, and then turned it off. I did the same, and you’ve been blaming me.”
“Well, well; yes, yes, Steve, I did; but let’s leave that question alone, my lad. It’s one that has never yet been thoroughly settled on account of its difficulty. I don’t approve of fighting, but there are times when—that is—you see it’s a very awkward question that we had better leave. I spoke hastily, and I’m afraid that I have done more harm than good. Come, you’ll shake hands with me?”
Steve eagerly held out his.
“That’s right,” said the doctor, gripping the extended palm. “And you’ll take my advice?”
Steve shook his head.
“I can’t yet, sir.”
“Steve, my boy, you send quite a chill through me,” cried the doctor angrily. “I’m as cold as if the weather had suddenly changed and a biting wind were coming off the ice.”
“My head’s quite hot, sir; but it does feel as if it were cold.”
“Of course. Nerves, Steve, nerves; unwonted excitement. Hah! Here’s the captain coming into the cabin. Now’s your time.”
Steve shook his head.