“No, sir—salt.”
“That’s different. The eyes are used to salt water, but fresh water irritates them.”
“I should think it would be the other way,” said Nelson, blinking.
“Not when you consider that all the secretions of the eye are salty. Tears never made your eyes smart, did they?”
“No, sir; that’s so. It’s funny, though, isn’t it?”
“Well, it’s like a good many other things, Tilford—strange until you get used to it. I suppose you swim pretty well?”
“Oh, I don’t know, sir. I’ve swam all my life, I guess, but I don’t believe I’m what you’d call a dabster.”
“I wouldn’t think of calling you that, anyhow,” laughed the Doctor, “for I don’t think I know what it means. But how about diving?”
Nelson shook his head.
“I’ve never done much of that. I’ve usually bathed in the surf, you see. I’d be scared silly if I tried what those fellows are doing.”