Smutje immediately fell in with the suggestion and replied: "Yes, on such an occasion nothing is too good."
The captain restrained his enthusiasm.
"But there must not be too much expense."
"No, certainly not. Let us have ducks. That is something good and does not cost much around here."
I heard the captain inviting the first mate to his table.
"But don't forget to put on a white collar, Mate. It is the consul who is coming."
"Thank you, sir, thank you." And the first mate grinned all over his face.
Then the captain tackled the second mate.
"I invite you to supper to-night at eight bells. The consul is coming."
"Thank you, sir, thank you." The second mate wiped his mouth with the back of his hand.