"'Very satisfactory, sir. Quick, interested; he'll do well here.'
"'I'm glad to hear it—very glad. Everyone has a chance here and there's no favours. No favours. The best man does the job. Glad to see you among the directors whenever you care to come up to us, Smith.'
"'I'll do my best, Sir.'
"He hesitated, smiled again in a very friendly way and went into Mr. Cheeseman's room....
"'Where are we?' I said. 'Middle of galley 32? Score, 22-29.'
"'How d'you know 'im?' asked Wilkins in a fierce undertone.
"'I don't know him,' I said, suddenly hot and flushed. 'I've never seen him before.'
"'Well, he knew you.'
"'He's heard about me.'
"'Who from?'