He inferred there would be no objection to his going upon deck in the night, but he made no such suggestion.
Instead he waited upon the tall man with a care and deftness that made that somber master grin.
"I believe absence has really improved you, Peter," he said.

"I haven't been waited on so well in a long time." "Thank you, sir," said Robert.
Secretly he was burning with humiliation.

It hurt his pride terribly to serve a rough sea captain in such a manner, but he had no choice and he resolved that if the chance came he would pay the debt.

When the dinner or supper, whichever it might be called, was over, he went back to the galley and cheerfully began to clear away, and to wash and wipe dishes.

Miguel gave him a compliment, saying that he had improved since their latest voyage and Robert thanked him duly.
When all the work was done he crawled into a bunk just over the cook's and in any other situation would have fallen asleep at once.