“Oh, yes, sir, the same boots!”
“When you helped me pack my luggage to-day, did you notice any other shoes?”
“No, sir.”
“I wasn’t in my stocking feet when I came aboard, was I?”
“Oh, no, indeed, sir.” This with a respectful smile.
“Then these must be the only shoes I have or have had, mustn’t they?”
Before Lawrence could make answer to this question the ship’s barber appeared at the first officer’s elbow, touching his cap.
“You wanted me, sir?” he asked.
“I wanted you,” put in Bronston. “Look at me closely, please. How long would you say that it has been since I wore a moustache?”
With the air of a scientist examining a rare and interesting specimen, the barber considered the speaker’s upper lip.