"
"Certainly I won't," Captain Runacles assented stoutly.
The doctor looked from one to the other with a good-humoured smile.
"And why won't you?" he asked, addressing Captain Jemmy.
"Why won't I? Because, as you are aware--for you were present--we
once cast the dice over this boy, and Jack won."
"Did he?"
"You know he did. He flung two sixes. Bless my heart, doctor, you
_must_ remember that!"
"I do, perfectly. And you--what did you throw?"
"I--well, I--"
"You threw the dice, and the box with 'em, out of the window: that's
what you did."
"Very well, then. That settles it. I don't back out of my luck."
"Gentlemen," said Dr. Beckerleg, clearing his throat, "I have
something to tell you. It is a fact, and I don't pretend to explain
it. You know the proverb about doctors and their unbelief. Well, if
I had been inclined--and I am not--to deny a controlling wisdom in
this scheme of things, I should have been startled somewhat when
Captain Barker flung those two sixes. That apparent chance should
give an approval so decided to Captain Barker's adoption of this
orphan child was, to say the least, remarkable: for I thought then,
and now I am sure, that no better father could be found for the
babe.
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