"Never mind, Brown; tell me how you came to be with Fairbanks to-day."
"Well, Cap', yesterday mornin' a bunch of Injuns were rowin' me out to one of our warships, for what purpose I'll not say."
"All right, Brown. It was doubtless at Half Moon Bay. But never mind, go on."
"Well, Cap', whether it was or not, we got lost in the fog. Never saw so thick a fog. Couldn't see a rowlock."
"Yes, yes."
"Well, my Injuns rowed and rowed, and palavered, and what not. Then, they began cryin' and prayin'-like, and I understood we was lost. Hours went by. Waves began splashin' into the boat later, and I knew we had got out to sea. Innards felt awkward. Small boat's a mean place for seasickness."
"Brown, I mean no offense, but will you not tell me, in a few words, how you happened into Fairbanks's flagship?"
"Sure. Fine ship she is. You ever been on board, Cap'?"
Farquharson laughed.
"You are the same old Brown, I see. Now, forge ahead."