“Never had a brother, had ye?”
“No. For which I’m awfully sorry.”
“I had brothers. You needn’t be sorry,” said Job, in his sneering way. “And I reckon that is the way Alf Barney looks at it. Brothers can be in your way, I tell ye. I found it so. So does Alf Barney. Them boys is rivals.”
“Well, so are Captain Si and Captain Joe.”
“Huh! Them old tarriers!” snorted Job, very disrespectfully. “They only play at fighting each other. These Barney boys mean business.”
“But why?” I demanded.
“Well, it’s something about their uncle. You know, their uncle, old Jothan Barney, is senior partner of the firm?”
“Yes.”
“And he’s put ’em into the business. Not that he’s showed favoritism. No. These Barney twins air good seamen.”
“I’m glad you will allow that,” I said, rather sharply.