im down with bromide. By the way, did
you send off any account of the accident?'

'By wireless? No; I took rather particular pains to stop that--gets
into the papers, only frightens the family and friends, who conclude
things to be ten times worse than they are. Plenty of time at
Southampton. Boat-express'll take him home ahead of the scare?'

'Lives in Park Lane, doesn't he?--that big corner house like a
game-pie? . . . Ye-es, you were thoughtful, as usual. . . . Only some
one might have been down to the docks to meet him. 'Wish I knew his
doctor's address. Well, never mind--I'll fix him up so that he
reaches Park Lane, anyway.'

'He ought to do something for Rendal,' mused Captain Holditch.

'He will, you bet, when his head is right--that's if a millionaire's
head is ever right,' added the doctor, who held radical opinions on
the distribution of wealth.

The captain ignored this. He never talked politics even when ashore.

'As plucky a rescue as ever I witnessed,' he answered the doctor.
'Yes, of course, I'll spare the lad. Slip a few clothes into his
bag, and tell him he can get off by the first train. Oh, and by the
way, you might ask him if he's all right for money; say he can draw
on me if he wants any.'

The doctor took his message down to Dick Rendal; 'We're this moment
passing Hurst Castle,' he announced cheerfully, 'and you may tumble
out if you like. But first I'm to pack a few clothes for you; if you
let me, I'll do it better than the steward. Shore-going clothes, my
boy--where do you keep your cabin trunk? Eh? Suit-case, is it?--
best leather, nickel locks--no, silver, as I'm a sinner! Hallo, my
young friend!'--here the doctor looked up, mischief in his eye--
'You never struck me as that sort of dude; and fathers and mothers
don't fit their offspring out with silver locks to their suit-cases--
or they've altered since my time. Well, you'll enjoy your leave all
the better; and give her my congratulations. The Old Man says you
may get off as soon as we're docked, and stay home till you've
recovered. I dare say it won't be long before you feel better,' he
wound up, with a glance at the suit-case.

'The Old Man? Yes--yes--Captain Holditch, of course,' muttered Dick
from his berth.

The doctor looked at him narrowly for a moment; but, when he spoke
again, kept by intention the same easy rattling tone.

'Decent of him, eh?--Yes, and by the way, he asked me to tell you
that, if you sh