“Cramps,” said Mr. Carey. “He told me this morning that he couldn’t seem to move himself below the waist. He got pretty warm paddling, I suppose, and then when he went overboard the shock was too intense. He had a close shave of it, and he owes his life to you, Tilford.”
“And we both owe our lives to you, sir. If you’ll excuse me I’d like to go up and see him a minute.”
“Certainly,” said Mrs. Carey. “I’ll see that cook keeps some waffles hot for you.”
“He’s in the room next to yours, further along the gallery,” said her husband.
Nelson didn’t knock because he thought Dan might be asleep and he didn’t want to wake him. But when he had cautiously opened the door and peeked in he saw Dan sitting up in bed and smiling broadly at him.
“Hello, Life Saver!” called Dan.
Nelson bounded across and seized his hand.
“Dan, are you all right?” he asked eagerly. “Gee, I’m glad to see you, you old chump!”
“I’m feeling right as a trivet. What’s a trivet, anyway, Nel?”
“Oh, a thingumbob with three legs,” laughed Nelson.