Now, Captain Whittaker, I don't KNOW anything about this affair, and it's not my business.

But I've been about to-day, and I asked questions, and--I'm going to tell you a fairy tale.

It isn't as interesting as your sea yarns, but--Do you like fairy stories ?" "Land, yes! Tell a few myself when it's necessary.

Sometimes I almost believe 'em.

Well ?" "Of course, you must remember this IS a fairy story.