“When I was first called in to you, you were not sick, only scared by the remarks of others. After we got you in here, we dosed you with ipecac. That started your stomach to moving up and down.”
“What? You poisoned me?”
“The ipecac was my choice. It isn't poison. The general idea was Captain Benson's. With a lad like him you haven't a chance.”
“Benson, you infernal cheat, you!” muttered Truax, and started to get out of the berth. But he was weak, and the attendant had no difficulty in thrusting him back.
“In view of what you've been telling us, [pg 210] you'd better not sprinkle bad names about,” said the surgeon, turning on his heel. He was followed by the others, all chuckling.
“Mr. Benson,” said Doctor McCrea, when the party was in the cabin, “are you my friend?”
“I certainly am, sir,” cried Jack warmly.
“Thank you,” said the doctor, making a comical face. “With your head for doing things, Mr. Benson, I feel safer with your friendship than I should if I had your enmity.”
While they were still chatting in the cabin of the gunboat a shot sounded on deck. Then a corporal of marines rushed in, saluting.
“The prisoner, Truax, sir, escaped while walking under guard on deck. He dived headlong, sir. The marine guard fired after him through the darkness, sir. The officer of the deck sends his compliments, sir, and wants to know if Truax is to be pursued in a small boat.”