"To be sure I have."
"Have you given Gordon anything?"
"No!" growled Shuffles.
"No? Why, do you think the present captain of the ship will be content to go into the steerage under the new arrangement?"
"He may go into the steerage or go overboard," answered the chief, angrily.
"Accidentally, you mean."
"Pelham, if you intend to be a traitor, say so."
"I! My dear fellow, I don't mean anything of the kind. I am as true as the pole star."
"Have you spoken to the captain about our affairs?"
"Not a word."