He struck me softly on the waistcoat, and fell back a step, with his finger on his lip.
"Ah," said I, "I understand. Sit down again and go on drawing on the deck, and then they'll think you're lost in study and not trouble you."
"Right, my lord—your lordship's 'umble servant," answered the poor creature, making me a low bow; and with a lofty and dignified air he resumed his place on the deck near the companion.
"Wot was he sayin'?" inquired the boatswain.
"He is quite imbecile. He thinks he is on board the Russian," I replied.
"Well, that's a comfort," said the boatswain. "He'll not be tryin' to swim arter her agin."
"Miss Robertson," I exclaimed, "you need not remain at the wheel. There is so little wind now that the ship may be left to herself."
Saving which I made the wheel fast and led her to one of the skylights.
"Bo'sun," said I, "will you fetch us something to eat and drink out of the pantry? Open a tin of meat, and get some biscuit and wine. This may prove our last meal on board the Grosvenor," I added to Miss Robertson, as the boatswain left us.
She looked at me inquiringly, but did not speak.