“It would kill me,” said Syd, angrily; and somehow his voice grew stronger.
“Kill yer! You’d take a deal more killing than you think for.”
“No, I shouldn’t. I’m nearly dead now.”
“Nay, lad; you’re as lively as a heel in fresh water. Capen sent me down to see how you was.”
“He hasn’t been to see me, Barney.”
“Course he arn’t, lad. Had enough to do looking arter the ship, for we’ve had a reg’lar snorer these last few days. Don’t know when I’ve seen a rougher sea. Been quite a treat to a man who has been ashore so long. See how the frigate behaved?”
“Did she, Barney?”
“Loverly. There, get up; and I’ll go and tell the skipper you’re all right again.”
“But I tell you I’m not. I’m very, very bad.”
“Not you, Master Syd.”