So making a few steps towards the foot-lights he thanked the audience, in a trembling voice, for their kindness.

He told them that he was no speaker and that Mr.Murphy had promised to do the lecturing part of the business.

At this moment cries broke out all over the house: "Brace up, Captain, never mind Murphy, its yourself we want to hear," and many other similar good-natured remarks.
This encouragement had the effect of steadying Paul's nerves and he calmly proceeded to give a vivid account of the terrible adventure he had passed through a few days before.

He grew more confident as he proceeded and the frequent outbursts of applause gave him ample time to collect his thoughts and express himself with ease.

His mind flew to what he had read on the bill and he traveled over the ground in a very thorough manner.