"To hell with the Ki!" came raucously from the darkened dining-room.
The two men laughed.
"You'll be taking Malachi along with you?" asked Hallowell.
"Would you like him?"
"Like him? Why, God bless you, I'd be having you to talk to, with that bird around. He's a wonder. The way he picks up things is uncanny."
"He's yours."
"Honestly? Well, by George! That's mighty fine of you."
"He's served his turn. He amused me when I hadn't any one to talk to. He's yours as much as mine, anyhow. He talks for you as much as he does for me. Besides, the poor little beggar hates the sea. If I took him aboard the destroyer he'd break his neck trying to keep on his perch."
"That bucks me up a lot, Mat. I'm very fond of that parrakeet. Going out?"
"Tailor. I'm buying a cits. Best for me to travel incog. if I can. Last fitting. I'll be back."