“Get the boy ashore. I’ll row him ashore; yes, I will.”
Ike got back to his place, cast aside his dummy and got into his clothes. And he wasn’t a minute too soon, either. Before the hatch cover was removed and the captain started to come down the lad leaped to his feet, seized the chain from which he had released himself, and ran back to one corner saying:
“Don’t come near me.” And he raised the chain threateningly.
The captain held his lantern aloft and said:
“Don’t fear, lad, I mean you no harm. I’ve done you a kindness.”
“You have, eh?”
“I have.”
“How? By starving me almost to death?”
“I ordered them to feed you.”
“You did?”