"When he comes," repeated Captain Pecklar, with a smile on his thin and blue lips. "I don't expect to see him at present."
"But the major has gone for him; at least, he told me he should."
"I have no doubt he told you so; but he has not gone for the doctor, though I may see the surgeon of the steamer in the course of the day," replied the captain, turning his gaze upon the floor of his room, as though his mind troubled him as much as his body.
"If the major has not gone for the doctor, what has he gone for?" asked Christy.
"I know what he has gone for; and, as you belong on board of that steamer, I should think you might easily imagine."
"Perhaps I can," added Christy rather vaguely.
"Was it necessary for a major and a lieutenant, with six soldiers, to go for the doctor, when five at the most could have done it better? But have they gone?" asked the captain anxiously.
"They have; they started some time ago. They are making bad weather of it, for they don't know how to handle the boat in a sea," replied Christy.
"They have gone!" exclaimed Captain Pecklar, getting out of his bunk. "Then I need not stay in my berth any longer."
Christy looked at him with astonishment when he saw him get out of his berth without any apparent difficulty; for he certainly looked like a very sick man, though his appearance had somewhat improved since he left the pilot-house.