And Simpson never had.
"Was it Shanghai Smith, do you think, as put you here?" he asked.
The admiral had heard of Shanghai Smith in the foc'sle.
"When I get back I'll find out," he said. "And if it was, I'll not trouble the law, Mr. Simpson. I never allow any man to handle me without getting more than even."
"You don't," said Simpson. If his manner was dry, it was sincere.
"But I don't bear malice afterwards. Your health, Mr. Simpson. This kind of trade breeds good seamen, after all. But you are all a trifle rough."
Simpson explained that they had to be.
"When the owners' scheme is to have one man do three men's work, they have to get men who will make 'em do it. And when the owners get a bad name and their ships a worse, then men like Shanghai Smith have to find us crews. If you could get back to San Francisco and hammer an owner, some of us would be obliged to you, sir."
"Ah, when I get back!" said the admiral. "This will be a remarkable yarn for me to tell, Mr. Simpson. I still feel in a kind of dream. Would you oblige me by going to Mr. Blaker and telling him that if he continues to hammer at that door I'll have the hose turned on him."
And when Simpson went to convey this message, the admiral put his feet on the table and indulged in a reverie.