“Well,” said the doctor, “I am afraid I must say you are not in my way.”
“Poor beggars!”
“Well, really, my good man,” began the doctor, “I am a bit of a student, and take a good deal of interest in natural history. Cats may be poor beggars, but that is no business of mine.”
“Yes, if you are going to sail. Think of your crew.”
“I am thinking of my crew, and I want to engage one,” said the doctor.
“Men hate black cats. Unlucky.”
“I have heard of that superstition before, Captain Chubb,” said the doctor, “but that seems to be quite outside our business now. As a captain—or skipper—I should have thought you would have been above such childish notions.”
“Am,” said the man. “T’other won’t do for me. I’ve seen it all. Won’t get a skipper from this port.”
“Why?” said the doctor indignantly. “I am ready to give an experienced captain good payment.”