"Alright, cross out sums."
"What about ropes?"
"Oh, yes! I can splice, reave, whip, knot, bend, an' gen'rally handle ropes."
"Can you shave yourself and cut your own hair?"
"Yes an' no, but mind, I have 'ad a try at that. I come aboard drunk once in——"
"Shut up. What else can you do?"
"Drink a bottle of rum, brandy, whisky, gin, port, sherry, champagne, beer, or any alcoholic liquors, with anybody; and spin a yarn with the best."
"Very good. I give you a first-class character. Will you come out for a drive with me in the morning and look after the horse while I—while I'm engaged?"
"Yes, sir, I will. I knows all about it. I courted my missus between the spells of three-year cruises."
"Alright. Half-past eight, here."