He put his chest up at a seamen's lodging-house, and, by no means perturbed at this sudden change in his fortunes, sat on a seat overlooking the sea, with a cigarette between his lips, forming plans for his future. His eyes closed, and he opened them with a start to find that a middle-aged woman of pleasant but careworn appearance had taken the other end of the bench.
"Fine day," said Mr. Letts, lighting another cigarette.
The woman assented and sat looking over the sea.
"Ever done any cooking?" asked Mr. Letts, presently.
"Plenty," was the surprised reply. "Why?"
"I just wanted to ask you how long you would boil a bit o' beef," said Mr. Letts. "Only from curiosity; I should never ship as cook again."
He narrated his experience of the last few days, and, finding the listener sympathetic, talked at some length about himself and his voyages; also of his plans for the future.
"I lost my son at sea," said the woman, with a sigh. "You favor him rather."