"I'm 'most afraid if you gentlemen took it into your 'eads to give us the slip we shouldn't know it on shore in this 'ere fog," he observed, casting a queer, sidling glance at Jack.
"It is trusting somewhat to luck to leave us," the captain responded coolly, "and I want to say now that I appreciate your kindness in not forcing a keeper on us."
"Well, cap'n," continued the inspector, gazing out over the water with the look of one who has no personal interest in the matter under discussion, "I was goin' to say, if you get a good chance, you'd better shift your berth. You'll find it kind o' snugger ridin' some ways along to the west'ard, I expect. But you know best, o' course. All is, you're in a tightish place here. I alers liked more sea-room myself. Good-day, sir."
"Good-day. Maybe you'll find we've shifted by to-morrow. If we have, it'll be to westward."
"I'll come out to-morrow," said the old sailor in his most official manner. Then he looked from one to the other with his merriest twinkle and an emphatic nod. "Duty is duty," he remarked. "Good-day, sirs."
He turned to descend, but suddenly Jack arrested him.
"Oh, you've forgotten your pipe," he said.
"My pipe?" echoed Mainbrace, stopping short.
"Yes, I'll get it."