So generous and forgiving was Manfredi, that, at lunch time, he sent boy Joe, the captain's steward, forward with a tot of brandy to the patient in the forecastle, and the amiable Mr. Sharkey drank it to the last drop, with a fearful invocation of curses on the donor's head, and thereupon dashed the wooden tot in Joe's face.
Before the first dog-watch the event was apparently forgotten; but it increased the desire of Captain Phillips to reach Cape Town and get rid of some of his crew.
CHAPTER III.
ROSE AND DR. HERIOT.
Supper was over in the cabin, and the little community there would soon be separating for the night, or "turning in," as it is technically named.
"How brightly the stars are shining," said Rose, as she peeped up through the skylight.
"Should you like to go on deck for a moment?" asked Dr. Heriot, in a low voice, as he hastened to her side.
"Yes—for a moment only."
"Take care of chill," said Mr. Basset, warningly.
"Take care rather of yourself, Miss Rose, and, of all things, take care of the doctor," said Captain Phillips, laughing. "Manfredi has charge of the deck; see how she is trimmed aloft. Report to me when you come down, and then I'll turn in."