"I finished my errand at Geneva unexpectedly and here I am." He smiled at the feebleness of his explanation, and joined in their passing comment on the life of the harbor.

He was not so dull but that he felt Dick Claiborne's resentment of his presence on board.

He knew perfectly well that his acquaintance with the Claibornes was too slight to be severely strained, particularly where a fellow of Dick Claiborne's high spirit was concerned.

He talked with them a few minutes longer, then took himself off; and they saw little of him the rest of the day.
Armitage did not share their distinction of a seat at the captain's table, and Dick found him late at night in the smoking-saloon with pipe and book.

Armitage nodded and asked him to sit down.
"You are a sailor as well as a soldier, Captain.