“It's not that; it's not that,” said the other, peevishly, “though I cannot explain to you why or how.”
“I don't want to hear secrets,” said Cutbill, bluntly; “all the more that you and I are strangers to each other. I don't think either of us has had a good look at the other's face yet.”
“I've seen yours, and I don't distrust it,” said the Frenchman.
“Good-night, then, there's a civil speech to go to sleep over,” and so saying, he rolled over to the other side, and drew his blanket over his head.
Pracontal lay a long time awake, thinking of the strange companion he had chanced upon, and that still stranger amount of intimacy that had grown up between them. “I suppose,” muttered he to himself, “I must be the most indiscreet fellow in the world; but after all, what have I said that he has not read in the newspapers, or may not read next week or the week after? I know how Kelson would condemn me for this careless habit of talking of myself and my affairs to the first man I meet on a railroad or a steamer; but I must be what nature made me, and after all, if I show too much of my hand, I gain something by learning what the bystanders say of it.”
It was not till nigh daybreak that he dropped off to sleep; and when he awoke it was to see Mr. Cutbill with a large bowl of hot coffee in one hand, and a roll in the other, making an early breakfast; a very rueful figure, too, was he—as, black with smoke and coal-dust, he propped himself against the binnacle, and gazed out over the waste of waters.
“You are a good sailor, I see, and don't fear sea-sickness,” said Praoontal.
“Don't I? that's all you know of it; but I take everything they bring me. There's a rasher on its way to me now, if I survive this.”
“I'm for a basin of cold water and coarse towels,” said the other, rising.
“That's two points in your favor towards having English blood in you,” said Cutbill, gravely, for already his qualms were returning; “when a fellow tells you he cares for soap, he can't be out and out a Frenchman.” This speech was delivered with great difficulty, and when it was done he rolled over and covered himself up, over face and head, and spoke no more.