“Starboard side of his nose, sir.”
“What does he do, whittle off his chaw or bite the plug?”
“Neither. Chews fine cut.”
“What's his favorite line of talk?”
“Reciting the pilot rules and jawing because the big fellows slam along without observing them.”
“Last remark showing that you have been in the pilothouse along with Captain Wass! Examination is over and you rank one hundred and the board stands adjourned!” He rose and shook hands with Mayo. “Now what can I do for you?”
“I don't suppose you can do much of anything, Captain Downs. But I'm going to ask you this, master to masted. Don't let a soul aboard this schooner know who I am—especially those two back there!” He pointed to the door of the main saloon.
“Seems to be more or less of a masked-ball party aboard here!” growled the skipper.
“That man you call Bradish, whoever he is, knows what kind of a game they played on me. I want to get it out of him. If he knows who I am he won't loosen! I was a fool to break in as I did. He was coming across to you.”
“Seemed to be pretty gossipy,” admitted the captain. “Is trying to be my special chum so as to work me!”