Ishmael backed out in double-quick time.

And next he found his way to the second cabin, to the bedside of the
professor.

Apparently Jim Morris had just suffered a very severe paroxysm; for
he lay back on his pillow with pale, sharp, sunken features and
almost breathless lungs.

"I am sorry to see you so ill, professor," said Ishmael tenderly,
laying his hand on the old man's forehead.

"It is nothing, Mr. Ishmael, sir, only a little seasickness, as all
the passengers have. I dare say it will soon be over. I am only
concerned because I can't come and wait on you," said the professor,
speaking faintly, and with a great effort.

"Never mind that, dear old friend. I can wait on myself very well;
and on you, too, while you need attention."

"Oh, Mr. Ishmael, sir! You are much too kind; but I shall be all
right in a little time, and am so glad you are not sick, too."

"No; I am not sick, Morris. But I am afraid that you have been
suffering very much," said Ishmael, as he noticed the old man's
pallid countenance.

"Oh, no, Mr. Ishmael! Don't disturb yourself. I shall be better
soon. You see, when I was very bad they persuaded me to drink a pint
of sea-water, which really made me much worse, though it was all