"Well, I'm jiggered!" said Mr Pledge, now looking slightly startled, for he was an old sailor, he well understood the despotic powers of the captain of a ship, and he readily perceived that Mr Lawrence's threats in case of refusal by the crew were to be carried out.
"But that's not all," continued Mr Eagle, with another glance at the skylight. "It ain't even 'arf all, and I think you'll agree with me that the rummiest part's got to come."
"Another slice, John!" said Pledge, pushing his plate, and cutting a big chunk from a loaf.
"Who d'ye think's aboard?"
"Who?"
"Why, Captain Acton's daughter, Miss Lucy Acton!"
"What's she a-doing' of here?" enquired Pledge, pulling away his plate heavy with meat and fat.
"She's a-running away with Mr Lawrence!"
"Or is Mr Lawrence a-running away with her?"
"According to his yarn," said Eagle with sour solemnity, "they've rooned away with each other."