Gregory was an inventive genius; and, before the first half of the last dog-watch had expired, he had improved upon his plan, and decided to put it in operation at once. He was so impatient that he was not willing to wait till the next day. He did not feel quite as well as usual; and he really wished he was a little sicker than he was. This suggested a way to get at the captain at once. He could easily make himself a little sicker than he was. He had formerly been subject to a certain kind of headache; and he carried in his bag a medicine the family physician had given him before he left home. It always produced nausea to a considerable degree. He took a dose of it; and in a short time he was sick in real earnest. Possibly his confinement in his room had made him more susceptible to nausea.
He knocked loudly on his door; and, when the steward came to inquire what he wanted, he stated that he was sick, and desired to go on deck. The captain was consulted, and the order was promptly given for Shakings to conduct him to the deck. The acting head steward offered his services, and he received every attention his case required. When Mrs. Frisbone heard that he was ill, she went to him.
“I have been feeling badly for some time; and I took some medicine which our family doctor gave me,” said the sufferer.
“I think it is quite enough to make one sick, to be shut up in that state-room as you have been, Mr. Gregory,” replied the lady, when she had examined into the condition of the invalid.
“I am generally very well, and I have not had occasion to take any of this medicine for a long time,” added Gregory.
Mrs. Frisbone spoke to the captain about the case, and expressed her opinion in regard to it.
“I have several times offered to let him go on deck for an hour or two, and he has refused to do so,” replied O’Hara.
“Certainly it was his own fault that he has not had any more air and exercise,” added the lady.
“I am willing to go still farther,” continued O’Hara, who did not wish to injure the health of any student, however guilty he might be. “I will see him in the morning, and will endeavor to give both Gregory and Clinch more liberty than they have had, and without the assistance of the boatswain, for they refused the offer because Shakings was to have charge of them.”
The patient was permitted to stay on deck as long as he pleased; but he did not see Sir Philip Grayner, who was playing whist in the cabin with the Prince and the ladies. When he went to his room, and was locked in as usual, he told Clinch what he had been about.