He bubbled as he walked, and every now and again burst into a roar of laughter, which was so infectious that Eales joined in at last.
"You are a funny bloke," said Eales; "and I'll say this for you, Corlett: I've never looked on you as no fool."
And Corlett sat down on a pile of lumber and laughed till he ached.
"Me a fool! Jack Eales, I'm the smartest cove on this coast. My notion's worth an 'undred dollars. It's as clear as mud, and as easy as eatin' good soft tack, and so neat that I wonder at myself. And it fits everythin'—everythin'."
"Then out with it," said Eales.
And Corlett came out with it.
"By Gosh!" said Eales—"by Gosh!"
He collapsed upon an adjacent pile of lumber and gasped.
"You've no right to be at sea," he said presently; "a man with your 'ead, Corlett, ought to 'ave a public-'ouse in a front street, and nothin' to pay for drinks. I've only three dollars on me. 'Ere's a dollar and an 'alf. I owe you eight-fifty."
He walked ten yards and came back again.