"True, but I prefer a brace and bit. I did something like that myself, 'bout--let me see--six years ago, I think; but it don't matter. Whole shipload went down. No time to lower boats, except captain's gig. Lord, how I did laugh! You know the old trick--sabe?"
"And blowed the oof after," laughed his companion.
"Not much," was the reply. "Some shad-belly of a lawyer began to ask questions--curse him!--and the work--well done, too--went for nothing."
"And you?"
"Went under."
"And serve you right for a chowder-headed clam. I was wise enough to take my share in advance--and stick to it, too." The giant tapped his hand over his waist as he spoke, and reaching for the bottle began to pour out another drink for himself.
"God's curse," said he, "there's nothing in here."
The red-haired man's small eyes were twinkling under the skull-cap pulled well over his brows.
"I'll play you for another," he said.
"Done with you; but let us have the drink first."