"I didn't know I looked fierce," said the lad in an ill-used tone. "I can't help feeling tired and sleepy." "Of course he can't," said Doctor Instow. "He had a very hard day yesterday. Here, I'll set him right. You go back to bed, Jack, and lie there till we come back. You'll be as fresh as can be then." "What, let you go without me?" cried the boy, with a sudden display of animation. "Of course. It is too much for you." "Give me some coffee, Ned," said the boy irritably. "Is there no new bread?" "No, sir. Too soon. Dry toast, sir?" "Bother the dry toast! you know I don't like dry toast." "Yes, and it isn't well-made, Jack. You go to bed." The lad gave the doctor an angry glance, spread some marmalade upon the dry toast, and began to eat and sip from his coffee as fast as the heat thereof would allow. "Well, are you going to take my advice?" said the doctor, who was pretty busy over his own early breakfast. Jack made no reply, but went on sipping his coffee, and feeling much better. Sir John looked up, and raised his eyebrows a little. "Doctor Instow spoke to you, my boy," he said gently, and, to the speaker's surprise, his son said coolly-- "Yes, father, I heard him." "Then why do you not answer?" "Because he doesn't expect me, father. He knows what I should say." "Knows?" "Yes, father; he's only making fun of me. He only said that to make me speak out." "Then why do you not speak out? If you are so tired, it is excellent advice for you to go and take a good long rest." "And be fidgeting in that hot berth, thinking about the adventures you are having? It would do me harm instead of good. Bring, me some more toast, Edward." The doctor threw himself back in his revolving seat at the table, and clapped his hands on his knees. "Well done, Jack!" he cried. "Bravo, lad! You've got the stuff in you that good strong men are made of, after all. You're quite right. I did want to stir you up and make you speak. Stop in bed all day! Not you." The captain came in. "How are you getting on, gentlemen?" he said in his bluff way. "Nearly ready," said Sir John. "Then you will not go with us to-day?" "No, sir. Let Bartlett have a turn, and I'll take care of the yacht. One word though. I don't for a moment think you will come across savages, but if you do I should like you to take the lead. You don't want to fight, only to get back safely to the yacht, so make the best retreat you can." "Of course," said Sir John, and Jack looked from one to the other in an excited way, "I expect the doctor here would like a fight," said the captain with a grim smile. "I! Why?" cried Doctor Instow, with a surprised look. "So as to be getting a specimen or two to take home. I know what you naturalists are."