“I feel somewhat strange at the thoughts of having round shot and bullets flying about our ears,” said Nat.
“We must run our chance along with the rest,” answered Owen.
Mr Scoones, who had only come on deck that day for the first time, on seeing that there was a prospect of a sharp engagement, seemed to wish that he had kept below. After pacing up and down several times, he spoke to the first lieutenant.
“As I have had some experience in dressing wounds, although, of course, I should wish to see the fight on deck, I may be of assistance to the doctor. With your leave I will go into the cock-pit and offer to help him.”
The first lieutenant looked at him hard, suspecting the reasons.
“You are a passenger, and we do not expect you to fight, so do as you please,” he answered.
Mr Scoones immediately dived below. The doctor, who had been arranging the various instruments and dressings which he expected would be required, received Mr Scoones coldly.
“You have not thought of bringing the two boys and the seaman saved with you. They might like to escape the risk of being shot.”
“They have entered as part of the ship’s company, and must run their chance,” answered Mr Scoones.
“I thought as much,” remarked the doctor, and continued his preparations without further accepting the offer made him.