He spent longer over Jem, who roused up and looked at him curiously, as if he did not quite understand.
“Been rather rough with this one, my lads.”
“Couldn’t help it,” said one of the sailors; “he fote so hard. So did this young chap too.”
“Nothing wrong with him, I daresay,” said the bluff man. “No bones broken. All right in a day or two.”
Don had been silent while Jem was examined, for he felt that this man was either a doctor, or one who knew something about surgery; but as soon as he had finished, the boy, whose indignation had been growing, turned to him haughtily.
“Now, sir!” he exclaimed, “have the goodness to explain the meaning of this outrage.”
“Cock-a-doodle-doo!” cried the bluff man.
“It is nothing to laugh at, sir. I insist upon knowing why we have been ill-used and dragged here by your men.”
“Well crowed, my young cockerel,” said the bluff man, laughing. “They said you fought well with your fists, so you can with your tongue.”
“Insulting us now you have us down will not save you,” cried Don fiercely.