By dint, however, of asking a great many questions, and collecting a crowd, they obtained an offer of a private boat from an old man and his two sons.
This was duly ridiculed by a bystander.

"The current is too strong for three oars." "Then my comrade and I will help row," said the invalid.
"No need," said the old man.

"Bless your silly heart, he owns t'other boat." There was a powerful breeze right astern; the boatmen set a broad sail, and rowing also, went off at a spanking rate.
"Are ye better, lad, for the river breeze ?" "Much better.

But indeed the doctor did me good." "The doctor?
Why, you would none of his cures." "No, but I mean--you will say I am nought--but knocking the old fool down--somehow--it soothed me." "Amiable dove! how thy little character opens more and more every day, like a rosebud.

I read thee all wrong at first." "Nay, Denys, mistake me not, neither.