"How come you're not with her?"
"I left them, hereabouts."
"Left them?"
"Yes."
"They've not the name of letting men go."
"They had no choice. They were—otherwise engaged when I took my leave."
"That's a slovenly ship," said Mr. Ham.
"One reason why I'm not on her now."
The mate frowned. "I'm not saying it's not in your favor that you got away from them.... And we do need men." He added hastily: "Men; not officers."
"That suits me."