You know the South American trade, an'
you know me. By gad, I'll do that. Anyhow, it's wot you deserve, but
none the less, I'm actin' as a reel friend, now ain't I? Many a man
would just lay you up alongside the _Andromeeda_."
"I'll call at your office in the mornin' for the letter," said Coke,
whose red face shone like the setting sun seen through a haze.
"Yes, yes. I'll 'ave it ready."
"An' you won't back out of them extry stores? I must sweeten the crew
on this run."
"I'll supply the best of stuff--enough to last for the round trip. But
don't make any mistake. You must be back afore September 30th. That's
the date of the policy. Now let's trot inside, an' my gal--Mrs. Dickey
Bulmer that is to be--will give you some tea."
"Tea!" snorted Coke.
"Well, there's whisky an' soda on tap if you prefer it. It _is_ rather
'ot for tea. Whew! you're boilin'? W'y don't you wear looser clo'es?
Look at me--cool as a cucumber. By the way, 'oo's the new man you've
shipped as second? Watts is the chief, I know, but 'oo is Mr. Philip
Hozier?"
"Youngster fillin' in sea-service to get a ticket an' qualify for the
Cunard."
"Thoroughly reliable sort of chap, eh?"
"The best."
It was odd how these men left unsaid the really vital things.
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