this talk, I'll start in again with the pretending. Only, you

see, she can't walk no streets,' added the captain, 'couldn't

even make out to live and get that doll!'

Herrick laid a tremulous hand upon the captain's shoulder.

'Don't do that" cried Davis, recoiling from the touch. 'Can't

you see I'm all broken up the way it is? Come along, then; come

along, old man; you can put your trust in me right through;

come along and get dry clothes.'

They entered the cabin, and there was Huish on his knees

prising open a case of champagne.

"Vast, there!' cried the captain. 'No more of that. No more

drinking on this ship.'

'Turned teetotal, 'ave you?' inquired Hu'sh. 'I'm agreeable.

About time, eh? Bloomin' nearly lost another ship, I fancy.' He

took out a bottle and began calmly to burst the wire with the

spike of a corkscrew.

'Do you hear me speak?' cried Davis.

'I suppose I do. You speak loud enough,' said Huish. 'The

trouble is that I don't care.'

Herrick plucked the captain's sleeve. 'Let him free now,' he

said. 'We've had all we want this morning.'

'Let him have it then,' said the captain. 'It's his last.'

By this time the wire was open, the string was cut, the head

of glided paper was torn away; and Huish waited, mug in hand,

expecting the usual explosion. It did not follow. He eased the

cork with his thumb; still there was no result. At last he took

the screw and drew it. It came out very easy and with scarce a

sound.

"Illo!'said Huish. "Ere's a bad bottle.'

He poured some of the wine into the mug; it was colourless and

still. He smelt and tasted it.

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