“Me?” cried Mr. Heard, with a start.
“Yes, you!” said the mate, in a decided voice. “After what you said just now I'm not going in without saving somebody. It would be no good. Come on, in you go.”
“He couldn't speak fairer than that, Arthur,” said Mr. Smith, dispassionately, as he came forward again.
“But I tell you he can't swim,” protested Mr.. Heard, “not properly. He didn't swim last time; I told you so.”
“Never mind; we know what you said,” retorted the mate. “All you've got to do is to jump in and I'll follow and save you—same as I did the other night.”
“Go on, Arthur,” said Mr. Smith, encouragingly. “It ain't cold.”
“I tell you he can't swim,” repeated Mr. Heard, passionately. “I should be drownded before your eyes.”
“Rubbish,” said Mr. Smith. “Why, I believe you're afraid.”
“I should be drownded, I tell you,” said Mr. Heard. “He wouldn't come in after me.”