Gray and I for one; the squire, Hunter, and Joyce upon the other. Tired
though we all were, two were sent out for firewood; two more were set to
dig a grave for Redruth; the doctor was named cook; I was put sentry at
the door; and the captain himself went from one to another, keeping up
our spirits and lending a hand wherever it was wanted.
From time to time the doctor came to the door for a little air and to
rest his eyes, which were almost smoked out of his head, and whenever he
did so, he had a word for me.
That man Smollett, he said once, is a better man than I am. And when
I say that it means a deal, Jim.
Another time he came and was silent for a while. Then he put his head on
one side, and looked at me.
Is this Ben Gunn a man? he asked.
I do not know, sir, said I. I am not very sure whether he s sane.
If there s any doubt about the matter, he is, returned the doctor. A
man who has been three years biting his nails on a desert island, Jim,
can t expect to appear as sane as you or me. It doesn t lie in human
nature. Was it cheese you said he had a fancy for?
Yes, sir, cheese, I answered.
Well, Jim, says he, just see the good that comes of being dainty in
your food. You ve seen my snuff-box, haven t you? And you never saw me
take snuff, the reason being that in my snuff-box I carry a piece of
Parmesan cheese--a cheese made in Italy, very nutritious. Well, that s
for Ben Gunn!
Before supper was eaten we buried old Tom in the sand and stood round
him for a while bare-headed in the breeze. A good deal of firewood had
been got in, but not enough for the captain s fancy, and he shook his
head over it and told us we must get back to this tomorrow rather
livelier. Then, when we had eaten our pork and each had a good stiff
glass of brandy grog, the three chiefs got together in a corner to
discuss our prospects.
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