I filled a bumper of brandy-and-water, and exclaimed in a loud voice:
'Here's to our speedy release, Helga! But if that is not to happen, then here's to the safest and swiftest passage this crazy old bucket is capable of making. And here's to proceedings hereafter to be taken!'
The coloured steward stood looking on with a grin of wonder.
'Capital brandy, this, Punmeamootty!' I sang out in accents that might have been heard upon the forecastle. 'Another drop, if you please! Thank you! I will help myself.'
A mere drop it was, for I had had enough; but I took care by my posture to persuade an eye surveying me from above that I was not sparing the bottle.
'You may clear away, Punmeamootty; and if you can find a cigar I shall feel obliged by your bringing it to me.'
'Well, and how are we getting on?' exclaimed the Captain, bending his head into the skylight.
'We have supped, thank you,' I answered haughtily and coldly. 'Punmeamootty, a cigar, if you please!'
The Captain's head vanished.
'Me no sabbee where the Capt'n him keep his cigar,' said Punmeamootty.