"But I will not. I saved Mr. Ranson's life."
"Saved his life! I want none of your jokes, please!"
"I am not joking. He says I saved his life, and I am willing to take his word for it."
"How was it?"
"I was on board a boat, and his boat was swamped, so I pulled him on board."
"And so you became friends?"
"Yes, sir."
"Humph! you might have made a better choice!"
"I think Mr. Ranson a very nice man. He certainly treated me extremely well."
"He's of small account."