The Prince frowned. "It is for me to say," he said sharply.
"You, sir, will then be able to get a new captain," said Day politely. He bowed to the Prince and Princess.
"That is very probable," said the Prince, and added, "I order you to put into Rio, captain. Dr. Phillimore's advice commends itself to me."
I said nothing, but the Princess gave me a quick glance, in which I seemed to read approval.
"Your orders shall be obeyed," said Day, and ceremoniously left the cabin. When he was gone the Prince turned to me.
"I am obliged for your zeal in my service," he said, as if he were conferring a decoration; whereupon he bowed, and I followed the captain.
I went at once to Day's cabin and waited, for I had made up my mind as to the method in which he should be treated. The man was obviously incapable of discretion in his state. He entered presently with a heavy sigh, and only then observed me. A malignant look worked in his face blackly, but I interposed at once.
"Captain," said I. "If you are captain, I am doctor. This can only end one way, and I won't have it end that way if it is in my power to prevent it."
"You are wrong," he said snappishly. "You are captain and doctor in one."
"I am going to try on you a particular drug which I have faith in," I said, ignoring his words. "It is new, but there are great possibilities in it. If it is all I believe it to be, you will get up to-morrow another man."