Toby was standing before him, facing him with straight, candid eyes.  He did not seem surprised at the suggestion so coolly made.  Saltash noted that it certainly did not shock him.

“All right, sir,” he said, after a moment.

“It’s a promise, is it?” said Saltash.

Toby nodded.  “Yes, sir.”

“Good!” said Saltash.  He stretched out a hand and took him by one skinny arm.  “Better now?” he asked.

“Yes, sir.  Yes, my lord.  Thank you, my lord.”  Toby’s eyes smiling into his.

“Very well.  I’ll keep you,” Saltash said.  “Did anyone see you come aboard?”

“No, my lord.”

“Then you came with me, see?  I brought you—­if anyone wants to know.”

“Very good, my lord.  Thank you, my lord.”

Saltash made a humorous grimace.  “You can call me ‘sir’ if you like,” he said.  “It makes no difference.”

“Thank you, sir,” said Toby with a responsive grin.

“And your name is Toby, is it?  Toby what?”

“Toby Wright, sir.”  Very promptly the answer came.

Saltash’s eyes scrutinized him with half derisive amusement.  “I hope it’s a good fit,” he remarked.  “Well, look here, Toby, you must go to bed.  Did you bring any luggage on board?”

“No, sir.  ’Fraid not, sir.  Very sorry, sir.  I came away in a hurry,” explained Toby rather nervously.

“And stole the hotel livery,” said Saltash.

“No, sir.  Borrowed it,” said Toby.

“Ho!  You’re going to pay for it, are you?” questioned Saltash.

“Yes, sir, some day.  First money I get, sir.  Don’t want to have anything belonging to that damn’ Italian cur,” said Toby, with much emphasis.

“Naughty!  Naughty!” said Saltash, pinching his arm.  “Well, come along, and I’ll show you where you can sleep.  There’s a small cabin out of my dressing-room you can have for the present.  I haven’t got my valet on board.”

“Very good, sir, thank you.  What time shall I call you, sir?” said Toby brightly.

“You needn’t call me,” said Saltash.  “You can just lie quiet and take care of that black eye of yours.  I’ll let you know when I want you.”

“Very good, sir,” said Toby, looking crestfallen.

Saltash stood up.  “And you’ll do as you’re told—­see?—­always!  That’s understood, is it?”

Toby smiled again, eagerly, gratefully.  “Yes, sir.  Always, sir!” he said promptly.  “Shall I take off your boots before I go, sir?”

“No.  Look after yourself for the present!” said Saltash.  “And don’t get up to mischief!  There’s a strict captain in command of this boat, so you’d better mind how you go.”

The boy looked up at him with eyes of twinkling comprehension.  He had plainly forgotten the despair that had so nearly overwhelmed him.

“Oh, I’ll be very good, sir,” he promised.  “I won’t get you into trouble anyhow, sir.”

“You—­imp!” said Saltash, pulling his ear.  “Think I’ll put up with your impudence, do you?  You’ll play that game once too often if you’re not careful.”