“At present, sir,” said Mr. Dobb.
“I’ve ’eard about you,” remarked Captain Gooster.
“I dare say you ’ave, sir,” guardedly returned Mr. Dobb.
“You’re the one they call ’Orace,” continued the other.
“Mostly, sir,” agreed Mr. Dobb.
“Mind you, I ain’t the kind of man ’oo’s fool enough to believe all he hears,” said the skipper of the “Alert.”
“Thank you, sir,” replied Horace, gratefully.
“I’ve ’eard Cap’n Putt say you’re a real smart, sharp, clever chap.”
“Ah, well, of course ’e does know what ’e’s talking about, sir,” observed Horace, with the air of one making a concession.
“I’ve ’eard old Peter Dutt keep on by the hour about your cleverness and artfulness,” said Captain Gooster. “’E swears you’re a wonder, and, if ’alf ’e says about you is true, so you are.”