“If I comprehend the views of Capt. Fairfield, he objects to rendering assistance in the present instance, as it would expose our ship’s company to these contagious diseases,” added the captain, turning to the instructor of the Ville d’Angers.
“By no means!” protested Capt. Fairfield warmly. “I should feel guilty to the end of my life if we should leave these poor people to perish without giving them all the aid in our power.”
Shakings thought the instructor had spoken like a “sodger” before; and his present speech was more like that of a sailor.
“Then there appears to be no disagreement among you, gentlemen,” added Capt. O’Hara. “I agree with you that the people on the wreck ought to be relieved.”
“Spoken like a true sailor!” ejaculated Shakings.
“Or like a true soldier!” exclaimed the Prince.
“Thank you, Mr. Frisbone; and I won’t stop to tell you what soldiers have done a thousand times for those in distress,” added Capt. Fairfield.
“We are to assist the people on the wreck,” interposed the captain. “How, and to what extent, is the next question.—Mr. Raymond, keep the whistle going every five minutes.”
“We are doing so, sir,” replied the officer of the deck, who was planking the forecastle.
O’Hara stated that the sufferers on the wreck needed no provisions, only fresh vegetables and comforts for the sick. As the steamer was abundantly provided with the former, it was promptly decided to send all that could be spared of them. As to comforts for the sick, which they understood to include medicines, the Prince declared that he would consult his wife, who was one of the best nurses in the world, and had saved his life when the doctors gave him up, by her intelligent care. The benevolent gentleman was on the point of starting for the cabin, when the captain interposed.