The doctor and Gray and I for one ; the squire , Hunter , and Joyce upon the other . Tired though we all were , two were sent out for firewood ; two more were set to dig a grave for Redruth ; the doctor was named cook ; I was put sentry at the door ; and the captain himself went from one to another , keeping up our spirits and lending a hand wherever it was wanted . From time to time the doctor came to the door for a little air and to rest his eyes , which were almost smoked out of his head , and whenever he did so , he had a word for me . `` That man Smollett , '' he said once , `` is a better man than I am . And when I say that it means a deal , Jim . '' Another time he came and was silent for a while . Then he put his head on one side , and looked at me . `` Is this Ben Gunn a man ? '' he asked . `` I do not know , sir , '' said I. `` I am not very sure whether he 's sane . '' `` If there 's any doubt about the matter , he is , '' returned the doctor . `` A man who has been three years biting his nails on a desert island , Jim , ca n't expect to appear as sane as you or me . It does n't lie in human nature . Was it cheese you said he had a fancy for ? '' `` Yes , sir , cheese , '' I answered . `` Well , Jim , '' says he , `` just see the good that comes of being dainty in your food . You 've seen my snuff-box , have n't you ? And you never saw me take snuff , the reason being that in my snuff-box I carry a piece of Parmesan cheese -- a cheese made in Italy , very nutritious . Well , that 's for Ben Gunn ! '' Before supper was eaten we buried old Tom in the sand and stood round him for a while bare-headed in the breeze .
A good deal of XXXXX had been got in , but not enough for the captain 's fancy , and he shook his head over it and told us we `` must get back to this tomorrow rather livelier . ''
Gray Hunter Italy Jim Parmesan Smollett Tom firewood snuff-box years