"Bing, bang, bust! I told you; the 'Rambler' blew up. Couldn't stand the crowd that was on it any longer."
"What are you talking about?" demanded Hackett, impatiently.
"For goodness' sake, Kirk, explain. I thought I was speaking English."
"Their old tub was blown into the middle of next week," said Talbot, bluntly. "Some fellow who had a grudge against 'em—"
"Say, is that true—blown up—sunk?" burst forth Hackett, exhibiting the greatest astonishment.
"Sunk?" echoed Ted Pollock, aghast.
"That's just what happened," said Nat; "I feel sorry for the poor duffers.—What say, Bill?"
This remark was addressed to a respectable-looking gentleman of about forty, who, standing close by, had heard the various remarks, and ventured to make an inquiry.
"I asked," said the gentleman, "about the explosion on a boat, but, if you will permit me, I would like to say that your manner of addressing people might be considerably improved."
"That isn't my fault," returned Nat, who was not in the least abashed; "somebody stole the club's book on manners."