'No good at all, sir,' the fisherman declared.
'Why not?' Charlie asked, somewhat astonished.
'Because, when you are cooking, the fewer things you have on the better you work. When you have a oven each side of you——'
'Are you a cook, then?' Charlie interrupted.
'Yes, sir.'
'Then why did you not tell me so? I can't go aboard the Sparrow-hawk as a cook, for I have never cooked anything but chestnuts in my life.'
'That doesn't matter, sir. North Sea fishermen are not very particular. The great thing to remember is always to serve up a meal at the proper time. If it isn't done, don't keep them waiting, but let them have it underdone. Never let your fire go out day or night, and always keep your kettle boiling.'
'Do the fellows ever want pudding?'
'Plum duff three times a week.'
'I shall have to give up the job, then, for I couldn't make plum duff to save my life.'