"Of course, you have, Tom."
"Well, sar, then I meant to say that this particular part of a sucking fish, properly dried in the northeast wind, is a wonderful mascot—when you're going after treasure." Tom looked frightened again, as though he had gone too far.
"Who said I was going after treasure?" I asked.
"Aren't you, sah?" replied Tom, "asking your pardon?"
I looked for'ard where the three delegates seemed to have lost interest for a while in their conversation and the fluttering paper, and appeared to be noticing Tom and me.
"Let's talk it over later on, when you bring me my dinner, Tom."
Later, as Tom stood, serving my coffee, I took it up with him again.
"What was that you were saying about treasure, Tom?" I asked.
"Well, sar, what I meant was this: that going after treasure is a dangerous business ... it's not only the living you've got to think of—." Here Tom threw a careful eye for'ard.
"The crew, you mean?"