"We were half a mind, sir, to let Hector loose last night during the storm, for he is a famous fellow in the water; but knowing how much you valued him, we were afraid to do so."
"I am glad you didn't," said the colonel. "You were quite right to keep him shut up. I would not have him come to any mischief for any money."
The colonel entered the house, and when he and all his friends had got into the drawing-room, they sent for a servant to inquire how the poor wrecked man was getting on; and after a little time, one of the domestics of the house came to say that he was up and sitting, dressed, in the front kitchen, and would be happy to see, and to thank those who had saved him from death in the raging sea.
"Shall we have him up here?" said the colonel.
"Yes, if you please," said Ingestrie; "and, I daresay, a glass of wine won't hurt him, while he tells us the name of his ship, poor fellow, and who and what he is."
"Certainly not," said Mr. Oakley. "I will get out the decanter."
"Allow me, my dear," said Mrs. Oakley. "You know you always break every glass that you interfere with."
"Oh, stuff!"
"But I say, Mr. Oakley, that you do."
"Easy does it," said Ben, in his deepest bass voice. "Easy does it, I say—Easy!"