“Oh, that isn’t my name, but the name of the play in which I last took part in a Chicago theatre. But I should be glad to tell you who and what I am after I have munched a ship biscuit.”
As they went below to dinner, Captain Brace leaving orders for the man in the sledge and the dogs also, to be fed, Charlie found time to seize Ingomar’s hand again and pull himself up, while he whispered—
“Don’t have your hair cut, and don’t wear a serge suit. You look ever so much better in skins.”
* * * * *
After dinner Ingomar consented to sit in an easy-chair, but well away from the fire.
He lit his cigar.
“I’m very happy, Captain Brace,” he said.
“So pleased!” said Brace.
“You promised to tell us your story,” said Charlie.
“Well, yes,” returned the stranger, “and for your sake I’m sorry it must be brief. But, Captain Brace, may I first go and give Humpty Dumpty his orders, if I am to sleep on board all night?”