l. If he'd fell down and
broke his neck, it would be different. As it is, he's had a lesson. I
must go up and take a look round.'

"Jack went up on deck to take a look at the mooring ropes, for the
weather is treacherous in spring and autumn hereabouts, and more than
once we had to slip and run out to sea. I stepped into the little
alleyway on the port-side and walked along to young Siddons' room. The
door was on the hook and a bright bar of light lay athwart the floor of
the alleyway. He was lying on his back as we had left him, his
unbandaged eye staring straight up at the deck overhead. As I opened the
door and closed it behind me he turned that eye upon me without moving
his head.

"'All right?' I asked, just for something to say. He made a slight
gesture with his hand, signifying, I imagine, that it was nothing. His
face had that expression of formidable composure which the young assume
to conceal their emotions. I don't know exactly why I bothered myself
with him just then. Perhaps because there is for me a singular
fascination in watching the young. I won't say it is affection, because
our relations are usually of the sketchiest description. Sometimes I
don't know them at all. I fancy it is because one sees oneself in them
surrounded by the magical glamour of an incorruptible destiny. As we
say, they are refreshing, even in their griefs, and there is something
in the theory that we, as we are crossing the parched areas of middle
age, can draw upon their spiritual vitality to our own advantage if not
to theirs.

"'Nothing you want, eh?' I said, looking round. The one bright eye
stared straight up again.

"'Will you do me a favour, Chief?' he asked in a low tone.

"'Of course I will,' I answered. 'What is it?'

"'If you wouldn't mind, when you go ashore, to see Miss Macedoine and
tell her I am sorry she couldn't--you see,' he broke off, suddenly, 'I
said I'd see her this evening. I went up ... she wasn't there. I
couldn't wait ... boat waiting, you know. Then something ... well, I
fell down. Would you mind?'

"'I'll tell her,' I said. 'Is she fond of you?'

"His eye closed and he lay as motionless as though he were dead.

"'I don't suppose it matters now,' he remarked, very quietly. 'I shan't
see her again, very likely. Only I thought--if you told her how it
was ... you understand?'

"'I tell you what I'll do,' I replied. 'I'll ask her to come and see
you. Isn't that the idea?'

"'Yes, that's the ide