He was observed from the window, where Henry and Charles Holland, seeing him come up with such an unsteady gait, rushed to the door to ascertain what was the matter.
"What, doctor!" exclaimed Henry Bannerworth; "what is the matter?"
"I am almost dead, I think," said Chillingworth. "Lend me your arm, Henry."
Henry and Charles Holland immediately stepped out, and took him between them into the parlour, and placed him upon a couch.
"What on earth has happened, doctor?—have you got into disgrace with the populace?"
"No, no; give me some drink—some water, I am very faint—very faint."
"Give him some wine, or, what's better, some grog," said the admiral. "Why, he's been yard-arm with some pirate or other, and he's damaged about the figure-head. You ain't hurt in your lower works, are you, doctor?" said the admiral.
But the doctor took no notice of the inquiry; but eagerly sipped the contents of a glass that Charles Holland had poured out of a bottle containing some strong Hollands, and which appeared to nerve him much.
"There!" said the admiral, "that will do you good. How did all this damage to your upper works come about, eh?"
"Let him wash his face and hands first; he will be better able to talk afterwards."