He eyed the first of them dubiously for a moment, took a long breath, and clasped the box to his breast, squeezing it so tightly that he was red in the face. Lifting his feet very high and setting them down with the greatest caution, he advanced with the knee action of a blue-ribbon winner in a horse-show. Quaking lest he trip or stumble, he delivered the box to the man at the gangway. The seasoned handlers chuckled, and Mr. Naughton said to the American who was checking the cargo:
"I took no risks in picking up that youngster, even if he is a new hand with the powder. His nerves haven't been spoiled by rum or cigarettes. Nice, clean-built chap, isn't he? What do you think of him?"
Lifting his feet very high and setting them down with the greatest caution
"He is no stranded loafer or he would sponge on the Americans in Colon sooner than work on the silver roll."
"I shall ask him a few questions when we knock off," returned Naughton.
After Walter had safely handled a score of boxes, he gained confidence and worried less about "'splodin' himself to glory," as he toiled to keep pace with the other men. The humid heat was exhausting, but as the afternoon wore on his efficiency steadily increased. When the quitting hour came, Mr. Naughton told him:
"I'll be glad to keep you on until the cargo is out. Where are you living?"
"Nowhere at present. I can't afford to go to a hotel, and even if I had the price I am afraid Colon might disagree with me."