The sudden acrimony of these remarks called Loudon (who was a man of peace) from his reserve. “It's rather singular,” said he, “but I seem to have practised about all these means of livelihood.”
“Tit you effer vind a nokket?” inquired the inarticulate German, eagerly.
“No. I have been most kinds of fool in my time,” returned Loudon, “but not the gold-digging variety. Every man has a sane spot somewhere.”
“Well, then,” suggested some one, “did you ever smuggle opium?”
“Yes, I did,” said Loudon.
“Was there money in that?”
“All the way,” responded Loudon.
“And perhaps you bought a wreck?” asked another.
“Yes, sir,” said Loudon.
“How did that pan out?” pursued the questioner.