"Anything you please, sir."
It was a practical joke, one of Jack's tricks, and I paid the fine, amid the laughter of half a dozen passengers, who had already been made victims. As I retreated, I encountered E. Dunkswell. He looked sour and savage.
"I want to see you," said he, gruffly.
"I don't want to see you," I replied, continuing on my walk aft.
"You have insulted me," he persisted, putting his hand on my shoulder.
"Insulted you!" I replied, pausing; for I was curious to know in what manner I had insulted so vile a creature as he was.
"You have insulted me!" he repeated.
"You said that before. How?"
"You exchanged berths with that old chap you run with."
"I don't know that it concerns you if I did."