“Say smart, not dirty, skipper.”
“Dirty, sir, dirty.”
“Only business, skipper. I’d made up my mind to come, and it seemed to me the only way.”
“Ah, you were very clever; but it won’t do sir. You’re going ashore.”
“But what about that cool drink, skipper?”
“And as soon as it’s light,” said the captain, ignoring the request. “Mr Dellow.”
“Ay, ay, sir.”
“Set the course a few miles nearer shore. No fear of a squall off here.”
“Well, I dunno, sir,” said the mate. “I don’t think I’d run in too close. The water’s shallow, and there’s often very heavy seas closer in.”
“Be bad for an open boat, skipper,” said the American.