“‘I don’t know ’er name,’ ses Ned, ‘but she was very much struck on Bill; they used to go to the theayter together.’
“Pretty gal?’ ses Joe, leading ’im on.
“‘Rather,’ ses Ned. Trust Bill for that, ’e. always gets the prettiest gal in the place—I’ve known as many as six and seven to—’
“‘WOT!’ screams Bill, waking up out of ’is sleep, and jumping out of ’is bunk.
“‘Keep still, Bill, and don’t interfere when I’m talking,’ ses Joe, very sharp.
“‘’E’s insulted me,’ ses Bill; ‘talking about gals when everybody knows I ’ate ’em worse than pison.’
“‘Hold your tongue,’ ses Joe. ‘Now, Ned, what’s this about this little gal? What’s ’er name?’
“‘It was only a little joke o’ mine,’ ses Ned, who saw ’e’d put ’is foot in it. ‘Bill ’ates ’em worse than—worse than—pison.’
“‘You’re telling me a lie,’ ses Joe, sternly. ‘Who was it?’
“‘It was only my fun, Joe,’ ses Ned.