“We don’t trouble ourselves about names on board ship, sir,” he answered. “There be pursers’ names aft as well as forrard.”
“Does he ever talk to you?”
“No, sir, he might be a funeral mute for talk.”
“Does he come to the table for his meals?”
“No, sir; his grub’s carried in to him.”
“When did you see him last?”
“About an hour ago.”
“Does he seem well?”
“Well as I am, sir.”