"You appear to have escaped with life, sir," observed Pindar, taking a cool survey of the other's person.
"Yes, thank God, I have done that, and it is pretty much all," answered the captain, wiping his face. "I served in the French war--Truxtun's war, as we call it--and I had a touch with the English in the privateer trade, between twelve and fifteen; and here, quite lately, I was in an encounter with the savage Arabs down on the coast of Africa; and I account them all as so much snow-balling, compared with the yard-arm and yard-arm work of this very night. I wonder if it is permitted to try a cigar at these conversation-onies, gentlemen?"
"I believe it is, sir," returned Pindar, coolly. "Shall I help you to a light?"
"Oh! Mr. Truck!" cried Mrs. Legend, following the chafed animal to his corner, as one would pursue any other runaway, "instinct has brought you into this good company. You are, now, in the very focus of American talents."
"Having just escaped from the focus of American talons," whispered Pith.
"I must be permitted to introduce you myself. Mr. Truck, Mr. Pindar--Mr. Pith--- Mr. Gray--gentlemen, you must be so happy to be acquainted, being, as it were, engaged in the same pursuits!"
The captain rose and shook each of the gentlemen cordially by the hand, for he had, at least, the consolation of a great many introductions that night. Mrs. Legend disappeared to say something to some other prodigy.
"Happy to meet you, gentlemen," said the captain "In what trade do you sail?"
"By whatever name we may call it," answered Mr. Pindar--"we can scarcely be said to go before the wind."
"Not in the Injee business, then, or the monsoons would keep the stun'sails set, at least."