nged."

"Off with you, then," said the doctor; and catching hold of Murray's
proffered arm, Roberts and his friend hurried below.

CHAPTER TWENTY.

IN THE DOCTOR'S HANDS.

Before the two middies had completed their change there was a tap at the
cabin door, and in answer to the "Come in" Tom May's head was thrust
through the opening, his face puckered up into a friendly grin.

"Getting all right again, gentlemen?" he said.

"Oh yes, Tom," cried Roberts excitedly, and he eagerly held out his
hand, and catching the sailor by the shoulder dragged him inside. "I
wanted to see you, Tom, and thank you for saving my life."

"For what, sir?" said Tom sharply.

"For so bravely saving my life."

"Oh, I say, sir," grumbled the man, speaking bashfully, "if I'd ha'
knowed as you was going on like that I'm blessed if I'd ha' come down."

"Why, there was nothing to be ashamed of, Tom," said Murray warmly.

"Oh no, sir; I warn't ashamed to come down. I were on'y too glad to say
a word to Mr Roberts like and see him come round."

"I'm glad too," said Murray; "and he feels very grateful to you for
being so brave."

"I warn't brave, Mr Murray, sir. I did nowt. It was you--it was him,
Mr Roberts, sir. He sings out, `Man overboard!' and takes a header
arter you, and what was I to do? He's my orficer, sir, and I was
obliged to go arter him. You sees that?"

"Yes, yes, Tom," cried Roberts warmly. "He acted very bravely."

"Oh, drop it!" cried Murray.

"Course he did, sir," said the sailor. "I on'y obeyed orders."

"Will you both drop it!" cried Murray angrily. "What's the use of
making a fuss about nothing? You're all right again, Tom?"

"Me, sir? Right as ninepence. Never had nowt the matter with me.
'Sides," continued the man, with a grin, "I had the doctor to look at
me."

"Oh, I say," said Roberts eagerly, "he didn't give you any of his stuff,
did he?"

"No, sir; but he wanted to."

"What did he say?"

"Said it would keep off the chill."

"Yes, and what then?" said the lads, in a breath.

"I telled him, gentlemen, that the first luff had sent Mr Snelling the
purser to me with a dose, and he just grunted at me and went up again.
Oh, I'm all right enough. What about you, Mr Roberts, sir?"

"Thanks to you, Tom, I'm just as you say you are. But what about that
fish?"

"Oh, it's in the pot by now. The cook says it's the biggest albicore he
ever see in his life, and for sartain, gentlemen, I