No initials." The stowaway seemed to add an inch to his height before replying.
"Algernon Adonis Percival, sir," he said, a very clear note of defiance in his voice.
The Captain looked at the First Officer, and the First Officer, after a brief stare at the speaker, looked at the Captain.
"It's his right name, you can bet, sir," said Mr.Mott, with conviction.
"Nobody would voluntarily give himself a name like that." "You never can tell about these Americans, Mr.Mott," said the Captain warily.

"They've got what they call a keen sense of humour, you know." Mr.Percival smiled.

His teeth were very white and even.
"I am a first and only child," he explained.

"That ought to account for it, sir," he went on, a trifle defensively.
Captain Trigger did not smile.

Mr.Mott, however, looked distinctly sympathetic.
"You say you are an American,--a citizen of the United States ?" demanded the former.
"Yes, sir.