“‘I thanked him, and so weak was I that the tears came trickling adown my cheeks.
“‘I held out my trembling hand to the native doctor, and he felt it, then pressed it down by my side.
“‘After examining me still further, he shook his head gravely and took Morgan aside, and as he spoke to him I saw Morgan’s face fall.
“‘“Let me know the worst,” I said, when the native doctor left.
“‘“He says you are at death’s door, but he will make an effort to save you.”
“‘And sure enough the little man came speedily back. He gave me medicine that was both bitter and nauseous. He ordered me wine and raw meat, and he gave me some soothing draft which entirely banished the fearful dreams.
“‘When he came to see me next morning, he patted my cheek and smiled.
“‘And sure enough from that very day I began to get hopeful, and health itself came close upon the heels of hope, so that in a short time I was myself again.
“‘Soon after this we went to sea once more, for we had got word of a bullion-ship, which, with her consort, a protective man-o’-war, might be expected off the coast of Florida in a month’s time.
“‘The news came in a swift sloop direct from Gibraltar—a sloop that was carrying letters and dispatches to British troops and sailors in the West Indies.