Allen wanted to go ashore to make inquiries about you, and the old man would not let him, and said that no doubt you had deserted, but that if you came on board again he would have you put in irons.
"Well, there was a regular row going on when a boat came off with a man in a red shirt, who I know now is one of Dave's partners, and said that you were desperately wounded, and that the Spanish doctor they had called in thought that you would die.

So then the old man couldn't help Allen's going ashore.

Of course, he could do nothing, as you were insensible, but he got two other surgeons.

Their opinion was that you would not get over it, but that if you did it would be a long time first.

When Allen got back there was another row.