In an instant Jack was on his feet, waving his white pith helmet in the air, and giving, truth to tell, a miserably feeble cheer, but the crew of the boat took it up and joined in. Then, as it was answered from the yacht, Jack sank down in his seat again, looking flushed and abashed, and he glanced from one to the other to see if they were laughing at him; but nobody even smiled. Still the lad could not get rid of the false shame, and the feeling that there was something to be ashamed of after all. CHAPTER SEVEN. FIRST SNIFFS OF THE BRINY. "He's beginning, Meadows," said the doctor, as they sat together in their room at the hotel, waiting for the guests of the evening. "Think so?" said Sir John sadly. "Of course I do," cried the doctor. "But it's very pitiful to see a lad of his years shrinking like a timid girl, and changing colour whenever he is spoken to. He seems to have no spirit at all." "He has though, and plenty, only it's crusted over, and can't get out; I noticed a dozen good signs to-day." "A dozen?" said Sir John. "Well, more or less. Don't ask me to be mathematical. You'll want to know the aliquot parts next," said the doctor snappishly. "I see you want your dinner," said Sir John, with a smile. "I do--horribly. This sea-air makes me feel ravenous. But, as I was going to say, there were abundant signs of the change beginning. He's ashamed of his--his--" "Well, say it--cowardice," said Sir John sadly. "Yes, poor fellow! he is ashamed of it, as I well know." "But he can't help it, weak and unstrung as he is. It will come all right, only let's get him out of his misery, as we used to call it. Get him to make his first plunge, and he'll soon begin to swim. Did you see what a brave fight he made of it over and over again to-day? There, I'm sure we're right; and, my word, what a chance over this yacht." "Yes, it would have been folly to hesitate." "But it's going to cost you a pretty penny, my friend." "I do not grudge it, Instow, if we can bring him back well. We'll be off as soon as I can get the preliminaries settled." "These things don't take long when a man has the money." "Hush!" said Sir John; "here he is. Don't say anything to upset him." Jack came in, looking sad and dispirited. "Ah, Jack, my boy, ready for dinner?" "No, father." "Hah! chance for the doctor," cried that gentleman merrily. "Let me administer an appetiser." "No, no, Doctor Instow; I'm sure it would do no good." "Wait till you hear what it is, O man of wisdom, and be more modest. You don't know everything yet. Now then: prescription--take a walk as far as the kitchen door, wait till it is opened, and then take four sniffs quickly, and come back. That will give you an appetite, my boy, if you want one; but I don't believe you do, for you have a lean and hungry look, as Shakespeare calls it. It's the sea-air, Jack; I'm savage." "Some one coming," said Sir John, and a minute later the waiter showed in the two guests.