“I am,” said Bayle laconically.
“Then why, sir, confound you! when the intruders do come, don’t you seize ’em, and shake ’em, and throw ’em overboard?”
“I’m afraid I should do something of the kind,” replied Bayle, “only I must have cause.”
“Cause? Well, haven’t you cause enough, man?”
“Surely no. Everybody on board, from the captain to the humblest seaman, has a respectful smile for them as he raises his cap.”
“Of course he has,” cried Sir Gordon testily.
“Then why should the watch-dog interfere?”
“Why? Isn’t that soldier fellow always making advances, and carrying them off to the piano of an evening?”
“Yes; and it seems, now the first trouble has worn off, to give them both pleasure. Surely they have had their share of pain!”
“Yes, yes,” cried Sir Gordon; “but I don’t like it; I don’t like it, Bayle.”