"'Wot's the matter?' ses the skipper, staring at 'im.
"'I—I—I'm sorry, watchman,' ses that beast of a boy, purtending 'e was 'ardly able to speak. 'I'd no idea——'
"'All right,' I ses, very quick.
"'Wot's the matter?' ses the skipper agin; and as 'e spoke it came over me like a flash wot a false persition I was in, and wot a nasty-tempered man 'e could be when 'e liked.
"'Why didn't you tell me you'd got a lady-friend there?' ses the boy, shaking his 'ed at me. 'Why, I might 'ave hit 'er with a bit o' coke, and never forgiven myself!'
"'Lady-friend!' ses the skipper, with a start. 'Oh, Bill, I am surprised!'
"My throat was so dry I couldn't 'ardly speak. 'It's my missis,' I ses, at last.
"'Your missis?' ses the skipper. 'Woes she 'iding behind there for?'
"'She—she's shy,' I ses. 'Always was, all 'er life. She can't bear other people. She likes to be alone with me.'
"'Oh, watchman!' ses the boy. 'I wonder where you expect to go to?'