This roused him and he told Brack the names of the horses and the races they were going for.
"You back The Rascal for the double if you can find any one to lay it to you," said Picton.
"We've a bookie among us," said Brack. "He's a young 'un and as good a sailor as the best of us, but he's artful, very artful, and he's had many a bob out'er me, and the rest. I'd like to take him down, and I will. The Rascal for the double, you said?"
"Yes, and here's half a sovereign to put on him," said Picton.
Brack gave an audible chuckle as he said: "Lor' love us, that'll just about bust him if it comes off."
They laughed as he rowed away, whistling softly to himself.
"I'll turn in early," said Picton.
"The best thing you can do," said the Captain. "You seem a bit out of sorts to-day."
"I am; I can't get the sound of the gun out of my ears."
Ben looked at him sympathetically.