“We should be very glad to see you on deck, Phil, but the captain’s orders are strict about admitting strangers aboard.”
“Sthrangers! Well, lieutenant, but that bates the divil. When was old Phil a sthranger among the fine min o’ this ship, I’d like to know?”
“Sorry, Phil, but it can’t be helped this time.”
Hoppy was puzzled at all this and he came to the side to look on. Phil caught sight of him and giving him a significant wink, said:
“Bedad, lieutenant, it seems to me that thim ordhers is aisily broken! That gintleman up there is a sthranger to me, anyway! I don’t remimber ever havin’ seen him before, an’ his uniform ain’t that of the king of England!”
The officer smiled. “Oh, Phil, that’s an American visitor who is spending a few days on board.”
“The Americans is a frindly people, sure enough, lieutenant, an’ I have no doubt they injoy your company, only it’s a mighty quare time to be showin’ off how much they like you! You’ll excuse me, sir,” addressing Hoppy, “but might I ax what part o’ the counthry you came from? Maybe you’d be wantin’ some o’ my little wares for your thrip?”
By this time Hoppy could plainly see that old Phil was playing a deep game and that part of it was his desire to avoid an open acknowledgment of acquaintance with him; therefore, he answered:
“I’m from Connecticut, my good man. Captain Raggett will supply me with everything needful, so I don’t think I require anything from you.”
This seemed to amuse Lieutenant Jameson. “Captain Mayo,” he said, “perhaps the old pedler has some little articles which you may require? If so, there can be no harm in your going over the side to inspect his stock. The orders are not to let strangers aboard, but I don’t see anything objectionable in your examining his stock.”