This by-play with the serving man relieved Captain Hallam of a sense of embarrassment which he felt in approaching the next thing he had in mind.
"What do you want, Duncan, for last night's work?"
Duncan looked at his companion for half a minute before answering. Then he said:
"I want that tug captain of yours discharged."
"Why?"
"Because he's a coward and an utterly unfit man. Human life may depend upon his courage at any moment, and he has no courage."
"Is that all you want?"
"Yes. That's all."
"Why don't you demand an increase in your salary? Anybody else would. But, perhaps you don't care for a bigger salary? You're a queer sort, you know."
"Oh, yes; I care very much for an increase," answered Duncan.