He was as faithful as any dog, and had an intense love for Scarron, and secondarily for the starry banner, which he fancied had some magic power for good.
Bob was not handsome; in fact, it would be very difficult to find a plainer, or, to use very expressive language, uglier, boy in a week's search.
Tempest looked at him, and asked again:
"Can you swim a mile?"
Had the officer said a knot, or so many fathoms, he would have understood, but a mile was very vague.
"Is it a mile from York to Staten Island?" asked Bob.
"Yes, over five miles."
"Then I can do it, for I've swum to the island and back without stopping."
"Bob, listen to me. I want to send a message to the Lively Bee; I dare not send a boat, for the English gunners would sink it. Could you carry it to Captain Vernon?"
"Is it heavy?"