“Oh!”
“And used to treat me like a schoolboy. I hadn’t joined then, you know.”
“No, no, of course not,” said the captain with a peculiar smile.
“But look at him. You can see his black moustache and hooked nose here. He’s going straight for them. Look, don’t you see?”
“Well, yes, he does seem to be doing as you say. If he is, you may just thank your stars.”
“Thank my stars? What for?”
“For his getting the snub that you would have received had you been so foolish as to go after those ladies—for they are ladies, Dick.”
“Yes, of course, but it is horrible to be bested like this. Will you come?”
“No; and I won’t let you go. Sit still, you little stupid, and—there, see how propitious the fates are to you!” he continued, as he saw something unnoticed by his little companion.
“What do you mean?”