Captain Trimblett arched his hand over his mouth and bent to an ear apparently made of yellow parchment.
"Cap'n Sellers," he said, in a stern, thrilling voice, "I've got a bone to pick with you."
The old man opened his eyes wide and sat blinking at him. "I've been asleep," he said, with a senile chuckle. "How do, Cap'n Trimblett?"
"I've got a bone to pick with you," repeated the other.
"Eh?" said Captain Sellers, putting his hand to his ear.
"A—bone—to—pick—with—you," said the incensed Trimblett, raising his voice. "What do you mean by it?"
"Eh?" said Captain Sellers, freshly.
"What do you mean by saying things about me?" bawled Trimblett. "How dare you go spreading false reports about me? I'll have the law of you."
Captain Sellers smiled vaguely and shook his head.