"Sure I will. What did you think I was doin'?"
"Send a man along with a bucket of soft soap and water," said Mr. Spokesly hastily. "I'll go round with you later."
"Where's that other mate?" asked the bosun, rather mystified.
"Over the side," said Mr. Spokesly, pointing.
"You seen the captinne yet?" the bosun pursued.
"Plenty, plenty. Send a man along."
Mr. Spokesly turned and to his intense astonishment found Captain Rannie in the saloon.
"Why, where were you all the time?" he asked.
"In my cabin," said Captain Rannie, staring at the floor nervously. "I must say you make noise enough when you join a ship."
"Well, Captain, I'll argue all you want later. Where's the medicine chest?"