“You appear to be a sailor,” said I, looking at his dress.
“I was not bred a sailor,” said the man, “though, when my foot is on the salt water, I can play the part—and play it well too. I am now from a long voyage.”
“From America?” said I.
“Farther than that,” said the man.
“Have you any objection to tell me?” said I.
“From New South Wales,” said the man, looking me full in the face.
“Dear me,” said I.
“Why do you say ‘Dear me’?” said the man.
“It is a very long way off,” said I.
“Was that your reason for saying so?” said the man.