Tom May took off his straw hat and gave his curly hair a rake with his fingers, while Titely stared with all his might.
“It caps me, sir,” said the latter, while Tom May looked at the American, then at the two middies in turn, and shook his head.
“Well, sir, why don’t you speak?” cried his officer angrily.
“’Cause it’s such a rum un, sir.”
“Bah! Speak out, man, and don’t hesitate. You remember seeing this man before?”
“Well, sir, I seem to ha’ seen him afore, and then I don’t seem, and get kind o’ mixed up. Sometimes it looks like him and sometimes it don’t look like him, sir. Beg your pardon, sir, but would you mind asking my messmate here—Titely?”
“Bah, man! The sun has made you giddy.”
“Well, skipper, when you like I’m ready for an answer. Want the water and fresh vittles?”
“My dear Huggins,” said the trembling owner of the place, “it would be far better if you explained to the King’s officer—”
“You leave me and the King’s officer alone, James Allen,” said the American sturdily.