"You're a brave mon, Smeeth."
"But why shouldn't I?" reiterated the second-mate.
"I wish ye luck," said the engineer dryly. "Hoo-ever, I ken nae reason why ye shouldna ax her."
"D'you mean you don't think she'd have me?"
"Nae, nae, women hae quare tastes, an' it isna always the best-lookin' mon that comes oot the best."
"Look here, Mac, d'you think you could put out a feeler for us?"
"Eh!"
"Jest sound her, so to speak; find out whether she likes me."
"Nae, nae," answered the engineer hastily. "I've enough troubles of me ain, an' I'm no goin' tae do anither body's coorting."
"Tell you what, Mac," went on Smith coaxingly, "you shall be best man at the wedding."