"Well," replied the captain, "he'll be in no more mischief for some
time; I heard of his trick to the purser."
As the captain was saying this, I perceived the piece of paper which the
purser had brought up as his report of killed and wounded lying on the
table with the other reports. It had, apparently, not been examined by
the captain, but my eye caught it, and I observed, written in a shaking
hand, "Pieces of beef, 10; ditto pork, 19; raisins, 17; marines, 10." I
could not help smiling.
"What are you amused with, Mr Keene, may I ask?" said the captain,
rather gravely.
"I beg your pardon, sir, for venturing so in your presence," replied I;
"but it is Mr Culpepper's report of killed and wounded;" which I then
took up, and handed to the captain.
This proof of Mr Culpepper's state of mind during the conflict was too
much for even Captain Delmar, who laughed outright.
"The old fool," muttered he.
"You may go now, Mr Keene. If breakfast is ready, tell Mr Hippesley
to let the men have it as soon as possible."
"Aye, aye, sir," replied I, and bowing respectfully, I quitted the
cabin; for I felt that Captain Delmar thought that he had not been quite
so reserved towards me as he always wished to be.
As soon as I had given the captain's orders, I went down to find out
Tommy Dott. He was in his hammock, next to mine, in which I had put the
young Dutch officer. Dott was wide awake, and, apparently, very
feverish.
"Where are you hurt, Tommy?"
"I am sure I don't know," said he. "Get me some water, Keene."