mind, although the
abuse which Lord Reginald had showered on his head would not have made
him less attentive to his patient's wants. For hours together the
latter rambled on; sometimes he fancied himself at home, and asked for
ices and peaches and grapes from the hot-houses, turning his eyes to
Dick, and ordering him to bring them immediately.

The word "grapes" reminded Dick that he had seen a juicy fruit somewhat
resembling the grape of temperate climes, of which several of the birds
of the island appeared to be very fond. He hurried out to search for
them, leaving Nep to watch by his master's side. He was fortunate in
discovering some bunches which appeared ripe, and instantly returned
with them. Dick ate several himself, to ascertain their character, and
was satisfied that they were wholesome and at the same time nutritious,
though far less juicy than real grapes. On his return, Lord Reginald
abused him, supposing him to be one of the servants, for having been so
long away; then eagerly seizing the fruit with an expression of joy, he
endeavoured to convey it to his mouth, but such was his weakness that,
letting it drop, he asked Dick to feed him.

Dick bore all the abuse he got with the greatest patience. At length,
exhausted by the violence of the fever, Lord Reginald sank again into a
death-like stupor, in which he lay without moving the whole night and
until the next day was far advanced. Dick, as before, continued to
bathe his hands and face at intervals, and when perceiving by the
painful motion of his lips that he wanted something to drink, he raised
his head and placed to his lips a shell full of the juice of several
fruits which he had collected. Lord Reginald eagerly drank this
delicious beverage, then, opening his eyes, which Dick thought would
never again have unclosed, the young lord looked up in his face, as if
to thank him for the relief. Dick saw by the expression of wonder and
astonishment in those eyes, so lately fixed and rayless, that he knew
him, and that the delirium had passed away. Lord Reginald tried to
speak, the colour for a moment mounted to his pallid cheek as he said,
"Hargrave, I don't deserve this kindness at your hands." Then with a
deep sigh he once more relapsed into insensibility.

CHAPTER FOURTEEN.

SELF-REPROACH--THE CRISIS OVER--A STORM--RETURNING TO LIFE--GRATITUDE TO
DICK--A RIGHT UNDERSTANDING--TURTLE-CATCHING--GAINING STRENGTH--DICK'S
CARE REWARDED--AN AGR