Old Dick returned with a joyous heart to the Midge--I accompanied him--Mr Marline was the officer of the watch.
"Send all the supernumeraries on board the Gazelle, Mr Marline, bag and baggage, will ye?"
"Ay, ay, sir," responded the master's mate, now acting master of the Midge--"shall we send the wounded, too, sir?"
"Yes, all hands of them." I went down to dress for dinner. When I came on deck again, the men were all ready with their bags, in their clean trowsers and frocks, and well-shaven chins, on the starboard side; while the wounded had crept on deck, and were ranged under the awning on the other.
They had all rallied astonishingly, but poor Lennox, who was miserably weak and ill--he looked as if he were dying. Little Joe Peak came up to the lieutenant, "Am I to go with them, sir?"--"Certainly." The wee mid looked disappointed--and made no answer. Presently he came up to him again, "The men ask if they may give you a cheer, sir."--"Heaven help us, no--no--we have had nothing to brag off, Master Peak--no--no."
But Dick twigged, on a moment's reflection, what the drift was.
"I say, steward, give the men who are going in the boat a glass of grog a-piece to drink my health." It was done, and the boat shoved off, and was returning for the wounded, when I happened to notice Lennox looking earnestly at me. "Bless me, Lennox, I have forgotten you entirely."
"Do you know if I am to go on board the frigate sir?" said the poor fellow, with a weak voice.
"No, Lennox, not unless you choose, I believe--the commodore has no objection to your acting as steward, agreeably to your wish, until you get strong; so you may remain, if you like."
I noticed the large tears roll down his cheeks as he turned his emaciated countenance to the ship's side and wept. I was mightily surprised at all this, and mentioned the circumstance to my worthy cousin, who did not seem to understand it either.
"What can you mean by this, my man? No sham sentimentality with me, my fine fellow."
"Oh no, sir--no--I am unused to kindness, sir, and weak enough, God knows; but really, in my present condition, I am unable to do my duty in the frigate."
"Well, has not Mr Brail told you you might stay if you choose?"
"Yes, thank you, sir--you don't know what a load you have taken from my heart, sir."