204 THE BOY CAPTAIN.

Miss Dunham was seated by the side of the mate, who
looked rather better for the stimulant administered, and
Bean said, in reply to Ben’s question :

“JT am feeling a bit more like myself, sir, now the flow
of blood has stopped; but I’m afraid that yellow scoun-
drel gave me all I need in this world.”

“Nonsense, man! You mustn’t lose courage now of
all times. We’ll pull you clear of this, or I’m a Dutch-
man. Why, you’re looking fifty per cent. better than
when I first saw you.”

« And I’m feeling a good bit easier, sir; but it seems
as if something should be done to this cut of mine.”

“JT think it is wisest to remain as you are a while
longer. To disturb the bandages now would only bring
on a fresh hemorrhage,” the young girl interrupted.

“Ts there any danger he may be bleeding internally?”
Ben asked.

“That I cannot say,” Miss Dunham replied. “I have
had very little experience in such things, but it seems to
me, if he was in any such danger, the pain would be
greater, and, at present, he says he does not suffer.”

“I’ve got to take my chances,’”’ Mr. Bean said, quietly,
“and it isn’t for you to waste any time on me. What’s
done cannot be undone, so far as I’m concerned, and if
you don’t fool around here, you’ll stand so much better
chance to get possession of the brig once more.”

«We don’t intend to fool around with you,” Ben replied.
« After you feel a bit stronger, I’Il see what can be done
in the way of sewing up the wound; but until then I