DRISCOLL. (trying to conceal his anaiety) Didn't I tell you you wasn’t half as sick as you thought you was? The Captain’ll have you out on deck cursin’ and swearin’ loike a trooper before the week is out.

YANK. Don’t lie, Drisc. I heard what he said, ‘and if I didn’t I c’d tell by the way I feel. I know what’s goin’ to happen. I’m goin’ to

(He hesitates for a second—then resolutely) I’m goin’ to die, that’s what, and the sooner the better!

DRISCOLL. (wildly) No, and be damned to you, you're not. I'll not let you.

YANK. It ain’t no use, Drisc. I ain’t got a chance, but I ain't scared. Gimme a drink of water, will yuh, Drisc? My throat’s burnin’ up. (priscoiu brings the dipper full of water and supports his head while he drinks in great gulps).

DRISCOLL. (seeking vainly for some word of