He was not free him-self from a slight curiosity as to the reasons which had made the captain unbend in so unusual a fashion.
Mr.Nathan Smith put in an appearance at six o'clock on the fatal evening.

He was a short, slight man, with a clean-shaven face mapped with tiny wrinkles, and a pair of colourless eyes the blankness of whose expression defied research.

In conversation, especially conversation of a diplomatic nature, Mr.Smith seemed to be looking through his opponent at something beyond, an uncomfortable habit which was a source of much discomfort to his victims.
"Here we are, then, Mr.Wilks," he said, putting his head in the door and smiling at the agitated steward.
"Come in," said Mr.Wilks, shortly.
Mr.Smith obliged.

"Nice night outside," he said, taking a chair; "clear over'ead.

Wot a morning it 'ud be for a sail if we was only young enough.