"It might do."
"'Tis the only sensible thing t' do."
It was the only thing to do. Billy Topsail knew that. If Toby Farr's life were to be saved, he must have dry clothes at once. Billy did not offer to strip himself for Toby. It would have been mock heroics. Nor did Archie Armstrong when he learned of what Jonathan was to do. Either boy would have risked his life in a moment to save the life of Toby Farr—without a second thought, an instant of hesitation, whatever the risk. Obviously it was the duty of old Jonathan Farr to make the only sacrifice that could save the boy. Had Archie or Billy volunteered, the old man would have thanked them and declined the gift.
As old Jonathan had said, to die was the only sensible thing to do.
"Nothin' else t' do," said Billy.
"No; nothin' else t' do that I can think of right now."
"'Tis hard for you, Jonathan," said Billy.
"Oh, no!" Jonathan replied. "I don't mind."
"Then make haste," Billy advised. "If 'tis t' be done, it must be done quick."
"Don't waste no heat," said Jonathan. "Fetch Toby alongside, jus' as soon as I'm gone, an' strip me afore I'm cold."