Brydell made up his mind that Grubb would keep off the ship if possible, and determined the first time he got leave to go ashore to hunt up his humble friend. But the very next morning, happening to go on deck, he ran across Grubb delivering a message to the officer of the deck.
Grubb touched his cap respectfully to Brydell, but his pleasure was evident in his handsome sunburned face. The officer was just handing him a note. Brydell could not help shaking hands with the marine, saying to the officer, “Private Grubb and I are old friends. I have known him ever since I was a little lad. He got me the very worst wigging I ever had, for almost killing him with my parlor rifle.”
The officer smiled and said:—
“Private Grubb must be a good man to have remained in the service so long.”
“I dunno about that, sir,” answered Grubb, blushing. “I’ve been in the sarvice twenty-four years, now going on twenty-five. I ain’t never asked for promotion, because I ain’t a eddicated man, and I’m very well satisfied with my increased pay, but I reckon I’ll stay Private Grubb as long as the government’ll let me.”
Just then Esdaile appeared, strolling along the deck. The instant Grubb caught sight of him the marine’s face changed and hardened. The officer detained him a moment to add something to the note he had written, and Brydell stood talking with the marine. Esdaile’s face did not show the slightest recognition.
No one on the ship except Brydell knew of the relationship, and as he had not thought fit to mention it, Esdaile in his selfish soul hoped that it would not be suspected. Certainly it would not be from the manner of either father or son.
The officer had come back then, and giving his note to Grubb, and civilly returning his salute, the marine went over the side and was soon being pulled away in the boat.
Brydell remained talking with the officer, who was very friendly to him, and telling the story of the parlor rifle which came so near being a tragedy instead of a comedy.
“And my father and Admiral Beaumont both say that Grubb is one of the most deserving men they ever knew, and he could have had promotion lots of times, except that he is a timid sort of an old fellow about some things, although as brave as a lion in others.”