"Mine's Richard Sharpe; but I'm mostly called Dicky Sharpe," he
answered. "Some of my messmates give me all sorts of names; but I don't
mind them. As long as they don't cob me, it's all very well. I'm a
happy fellow, and ready for all the ups and downs of life. I'm pretty
well wide awake, and know my duty, so I don't often get mast-headed. If
I happen to get a fall, I generally manage to pitch on my feet; and as
I'm some day or other to come into a fortune, I'm not troubled about the
future. If the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty give me my
promotion, it will be all very well; if not, why they'll have to
dispense with my valuable services, and the country will be the loser."
I was highly edified by Master Dicky's philosophy, and I at once
conceived a great regard and respect for him.
"Now, D'Arcy, my boy," he continued, in his free and easy tone, "it's
stupid work lying here between the blankets; so if you'll just give me
the loan of some of your toggery till mine are dry, I'll sit up at table
and crack a bottle of wine with you."
I had to remind him of the early hour, and to confess that wine our mess
did not possess, but that he should have some breakfast and hot tea,
which would be better for him, and that he should be welcome to my
clothes.
While he was seated at table, Hanks, who had gone on deck to see the
medico off, returned. "Well, D'Arcy, I told him how you had saved the
youngster and the other men," he said. "It will be a feather in your
cap, my lad, and you deserve to wear it."
"What!" exclaimed my volatile young friend, grasping my hand, while the
tears came into his eyes, "you saved me from drowning. On my word, I'm
very much obliged to you. I shouldn't like to have become food for
fishes just yet. I'd rather eat a few dinners off them first."
"Oh, faith, I could not have done less if you'd been only a sheep or a
pig," I answered, laughing; "so you've little to thank me for."
"I suppose, though, even a sheep or a pig would have tried to show their
gratitude, unless you had intended to turn them into mutton and pork
directly afterwards," replied Dicky Sharpe. "So, D'Arcy, I must look
upon you as my friend and preserver; and I just wish, when you can get
leave, that you would come down and see my governor and mother and
sisters. They won't make much of you, won't they, that's all."
I told him that I should be very glad to accept his invitation if I
could; but at the time I was thinking that my aunt and Miss Alice would
admire the feather Hanks said I might wear in my cap more than anybody
else. I never met a merrier or more contented fellow than Dicky Sharpe.
I was quite sorry to lose him when his clothes were dry and a boat came
alongside to take him on board his ship, the _Cynthia_, What was my
surprise to receive by her, at the same time, a note from the captain of
the frigate, inviting me to dine with him on the following day, stating
that he wished to thank me for the presence of mind I had displayed in
saving the lives of one of his midshipmen and several of his people.
"I'm glad to hear it," exclaimed Hanks. "It shows your talents are not
hid under a bushel; and now get away over to Ryde with that note in your
pocket, and explain its meaning in the best way you can."
I jumped into a wherry just then passing, and in less than an hour
landed at Ryde Pier, whence I found my way up to Daisy Cottage. My aunt
was delighted to hear my story, which, I flatter myself, I told with all
the innate modesty of an Irishman. Alice, I thought, blushed her
approval most sweetly; and my uncle congratulated me warmly. I spent a
very pleasant evening, some of the time walking with Alice on the shore,
and resting under the trees, which come almost close down to the water's
edge. I found that I could not dine with Captain Bruff, as we were to
sail next morning for the westward; so I was obliged to be content with
the empty honour of the invitation; and, I dare say, my absence did not
break his heart. I was more sorry to miss seeing Dicky Sharpe again, as
I should have liked to have had another palaver with him; and before our
return the _Cynthia_ would probably have sailed.