Denman appeared to have forgotten who our hero was, but in reality he was only pretending to forget.
Denman was a good sailor, and a very cunning man; but at heart he was a very ugly and desperate fellow, and not at all distinguished by any of the generous traits usually characteristic of jolly tars.
"What's the matter, captain?"
"What's the matter? I'm asking you who you are, and what you are doing here?"
The detective came a little nearer, and assumed a surprised air.
"Don't stand there, making sober faces. Who are you, and what are you doing here?"
Denman was conscious that he was given to talking too much when in his cups, and he was leading the new hand on to betray just how much had been revealed to him.
"You shipped me last night, captain."
"I shipped you last night?"
"Yes; but if you don't want me as one of your crew, I'm willing."