"Send the first mate here," said the captain, sinking back on his pillow and closing his eyes.
"I can't, sir. He went ashore with you and hasn't come back yet. The natives made an end of him, most likely."
"The second mate, then."
"Can't send him either, sir, because he and the first are keeping company now somewhere besides on board this ship. The natives harpooned him. There's nobody left but me."
"And you ain't worth nothing. You don't know how to flog a man."
"If I did, I couldn't do it now, sir. The men have taken the ship and put Cap'n Nelson in command. I looked for 'em to do it long ago."
"Nelson!" groaned the captain, opening his eyes again. "I sent him——"
He seemed to recognise the face bending over him, and stopped suddenly.
"I know you did, sir," said Mr. Gale, "You sent him adrift with me; but he's back again, and so are Lucas and Barton and all the rest of the boat's crew. But I say, cap'n, if you are able to do duty, you'd best be giving some orders, for the tide is about turning, and if the ship is to be worked off the bar, now's the time."
The captain made no reply, and neither could Mr. Gale induce him to speak again. He lay with his eyes closed, and groaned every time a question was asked him. The mate scratched his head in great perplexity. "What shall I do, sir?" said he, looking at Frank.