The forks followed, similarly protected, the stranger all the time throwing little furtive glances round the room, first at one of us and then at the other.
While this interesting operation was in progress I had been occupying myself mixing drinks. I offered one to Tommy, but he waved it aside.
"A guest," he said, "especially an uninvited one, should always be served first."
I handed the tumbler to the stranger, who accepted it with a grin and a nod.
"And now," said Tommy, when we were all three similarly equipped, "I think it would be more friendly if we knew something about each other." He turned to the stranger. "Wouldn't you like to tell us your name, old sport?"
Our visitor looked at him cunningly.
"Me, guv'nor?" he said. "I'm the Dock o' Wellington."
"Ah!" replied Tommy politely. "I was sure I'd seen your face somewhere. If you won't think me inquisitive, may I ask what brought you to the island?"
The duke took a long drink. Then he jerked his thumb towards the steps.
"That there ruddy boat, guv'nor," he replied casually.