“Glad to hear it,” said George, politely.

“An’ me father’s name was Bill Hollback; his father’s name was Bill Hollback; an’ hisn, too, was Bill Hollback. Kinder curious, eh?”

“Very.”

“An’ that ain’t all; me son’s name is Bill Hollback.”

“I hope they are all well and happy,” said George.

“Hey?”

“That is—of course, I mean you and young Bill.”

“Oh, yes; fair to middlin’. This here dog’s name is Sailor.”

“That’s a nice name.”

“Yes—fair to middlin’. That there skiff ye see out there is mine; gived to me by the finest man you ever see—lives over to Ticketwood house.”