"It's all right, my lad," said Dan, after the watch had been set, as he
came and stood by the deserter's bunk; "I 've saved you--I've saved you
for twenty-five shillings."
"I wish it was more," said Private Smith politely.
The old man sighed--and waited.
"I'm quite cleaned out, though," continued the deserter, "except
fi'pence ha'penny. I shall have to risk going home in my uniform as it
is."
"Ah, you'll get there all right," said Dan cheerfully; "and when you
get home no doubt you 've got friends, and if it seems to you as you 'd
like to give a little more to them as assisted you in the hour of need,
you won't be ungrateful, my lad, I know. You ain't the sort."
With these words old Dan, patting him affectionately, retired, and the
soldier lay trying to sleep in his narrow quarters until he was aroused
by a grip on his arm.
"If you want a mouthful of fresh air you 'd better come on deck now,"
said the voice of Joe; "it's my watch. You can get all the sleep you
want in the daytime."
Glad to escape from such stuffy quarters, Private Smith clambered out of
his bunk and followed the other on deck. It was a fine clear night, and
the schooner was going along under a light breeze; the seaman took the
wheel, and, turning to his companion, abruptly inquired what he meant by
deserting and worrying them with six foot four of underdone lobster.
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