“How is your wife now, Mitchell?”
“I don't know,” said Mitchell calmly.
“Don't know?” echoed the mate. “Didn't you treat her well?”
Mitchell removed his pipe and drew a long breath.
“Ah, well, I tried to,” he said wearily.
“Well, did you put your theory into practice?”
“I did,” said Mitchell very deliberately.
Joe waited, but nothing came.
“Well?” he asked impatiently, “How did it act? Did it work well?”
“I don't know,” said Mitchell (puff); “she left me.”