Languor was stealing over him as the questioner asked:
"How do you feel?"
"Like having a big sleep," Dave whispered drowsily. His eyes closed and he dozed even before he could think to wonder if his brother officers on the "Grigsby" and "Reed" knew that he was all right.
Putting down the cup of hot drink, the man who had done the talking dismissed the three others, seated himself on the edge of the berth and placed a finger on one of Dave's unresisting wrists.
The same man was there, seated on a locker and smoking a pipe, when Dave Darrin again opened his eyes.
This time Dave sat up rather nimbly, then turned, supporting his head on one hand.
"Hullo, there!" Dave hailed, cheerily.
"Getting your strength back, aren't you?" queried the stranger.
"Yes, sir! But tell me. Is this the same night I was picked up and introduced on board, so to speak?"
"The same night."