"What we done the day before yesterday was a leetle bit dangerous, old man. Sailin' too near the reefs—um?"
Tomlin replied pompously:
"Skilled navigators, my lad, do sail near the reefs. I wouldn't assume such risks with another man."
"But you did!"
"What do you mean, Joe?"
"James Miggott is in the know."
"Of course, but he's had his little bit."
"Yes; but he wants more!"
"The swine!" He stared at Quinney, beholding upon the whimsical face of his pupil writing which he could not read. "What's up?" he spluttered.
"I am," said Quinney, rising; "and stripped for the fight of my life."