“They all look upon it as a holiday, sir, and are as pleased as can be.”
“But they’ve not seen us yet,” said Sir Humphrey.
“What, sir?” cried the captain, laughing. “They all came ashore as soon as I’d told ’em about you, and crept up to the open window of the room where you two gentlemen sat talking by the lighted lamp.”
“Indeed?” cried Brace. “I did not hear them.”
“Only came one at a time, sir, and they’d no shoes on.”
“Well, what did they say?” cried Brace.
“Like to hear, gentlemen?”
“Of course,” cried Brace.
“They’re good trusty lads, gentlemen, but, like all British sailors, a bit plain-spoken. P’raps Sir Humphrey here mightn’t like it, though I answer for ’em that they meant no harm.”
Brace looked merrily at his brother as if asking a question.