"No; nobody but ol' Jack Hulk," said Skipper James to Doctor Luke.
"Jack Hulk, you say? Hm-m. When was that?"
"I don't rightly remember, sir. 'Twas less than a fortnight ago. I'll lay t' that much."
"And all well over there?"
"No report o' sickness, sir. Have another cut o' bread, sir, while you're about it."
The Doctor lifted his hand.
"No—really," said he, positively. "No more. Well—I—if you please. Thank you. I seem to be just a bit peckish to-night."
"A cut o' bread, Billy?" said Skipper James.
Billy lifted his hand.