"It a' depends," answered the engineer thoughtfully. "Ye see, skeeper, I hae sairtain financial obleegations in that country which I canna dischairge. An' meybe there are ane or twa leddies who'd mak' it no verra pleasant for me gin they were tae ken I was back."
"H'm; I should have thought that a man of your resource and experience could have overcome that difficulty."
McPhulach considered for a little time, and the cloud on his brow lifted.
"I ken brawly wha' tae dae, sir!" he exclaimed. "Gin ye'll ca' me Jones and give oot that I'm a Welshman, there's no a body who'd recognise me."
Something like a chuckle escaped the Captain, but he answered in a perfectly grave voice.
"If you think that device will overcome your difficulties, I have no objection to calling you Jones and informing all whom it may concern that you're a Welshman."
"Frae Pontypreed."
"From Pontypridd, if you like. That sounds Welsh enough."
"Then I'll sign on wi' ye, sir."
"Right, then that's settled," answered Calamity, and McPhulach, preening himself upon his astuteness, returned to the engine-room.