'Oh dear, oh dear,' said old Smith, 'you mustn't. You must have a berth here, and be a passenger.'
The skipper's obvious nervousness was not without its effect upon the new owner. For old Smith knew that if he lost his present billet he was not likely to find another one, and he had nothing saved to speak of. So somehow, and without knowing why, Geordie, without being in the least disrespectful, was more decided in his answer than he would have been if the 'old man' had showed himself as hard and severe as usual.
'Not me,' said Geordie, 'not me, sir. I wouldn't, and I couldn't. I'd be that uncomfortable—oh, a passenger, good Lord, no!'
'But bein' owner, you can't stay for'ard,' urged the skipper.
'Oh yes, I can, sir,' said Geordie, 'I'd prefer it.'
Smith sighed.
'If you prefer it, of course you must. But if you change your mind, you'll let me know.'
'Right, I will—sir,' said Geordie.
The skipper walked with him to the cabin door.
'And if you don't want to work, Mr. Potts, I dare say we can get on without your services, though we shall miss them,' he said anxiously.