Half running, half sliding, she, however, reached the opposite side and was quickly engaged in the Samaritan task of bathing Mr Lathrope’s temples with Eau de Cologne.
“Don’t you bother, miss,” said the American faintly, “I guess I ain’t so much hurt arter all!” but he couldn’t help groaning as he spoke, whereupon Mr Meldrum laid him down gently and sent the steward for some brandy, which revived him somewhat.
“I got a pretty considerable gouge in the ribs from that air wash-stand,” said he, pointing out the objectionable piece of furniture as he uttered the words; “but I guess I’ll be all right presently. How’s Madam Negus!”
“Oh, she was more frightened than hurt,” said Mr Meldrum laughing; “she was in a nice pickle on the floor of her cabin. You should just have seen her. I really don’t think she could ever be dignified to me any more!”
“For shame, papa, to laugh at misfortune!” said Kate; “and now, as Mr Lathrope seems better, I’ll go and look after his fellow-sufferer.” So saying, the girl clambered along by the side of the saloon to where Mrs Major Negus was ensconced in state, in the adjoining cabin—now revived from her fainting fit and with Mary Llewellyn ministering to her wants, although “the Major” could not help scolding the latter at intervals, as if she were the cause of the disaster.
In the midst of all this, down came Mr McCarthy, the first mate, from the poop.
“Be jabers and it’s a foine time you are having of it, any way!” said he by way of greeting, looking round with a quizzical cock of his eye at the dismantled cuddy. “I only thought you’d have had a drop of wather or two whin the skoilight got adrift, and we’ve rigged up tarpaulins over it and battened it down comfortably, so that ye’ll not be throubled any more by the say washing down. But, how did the table git carried away! It was fixed down so strong it’s a puzzle to me entirely!”
“Goodness only knows,” said Mr Meldrum; “there came a tremendous crash amidships soon after midnight, and away it went!”
“Ah that was whin that gossoon Adams had howlt of the helm. The omahdawn, he was looking up at the spars and tellin’ the cap’en about taking the topsails off her, as she was carrying too much sail, instead of mindin’ his own business and lookin’ to the steering; and, faix, he let the ship broach to, bad cess to him!”
“And how are you getting on now, on deck?” asked Mr Meldrum.