“‘They isn’t room for more’n two on that raft,’ says he.
“‘Dear God! Jowl,’ says I, ‘what you goin’ t’ do?’
“‘I’m goin’ t’ try my level best,’ says he, ‘t’ get home t’ my wife an’ kid; for they’d be wonderful disappointed if I didn’t turn up.’
“‘But the crew’s got wives an’ kids!’ says I.
“‘An’ bad stomachs,’ says he.
“‘Jowl,’ says I, ‘she’s sinkin’ fast.’
“‘Then I ’low we better make haste.’
“I started for’ard.
“‘Tumm,’ says he, ‘don’t you go another step. If them swine in the forecastle knowed they was a raft ’longside, they’d steal it. It won’t hold un, Tumm. It won’t hold more’n two, an’, ecod!’ says he, with a look at the raft, ‘I’m doubtin’ that she’s able for that!’
“It made me shiver.