He maun pit oop a guid stroke." While the Scot did not lose much love for the truculent pocket-miner, he was well aware of his grit, and seized the chance to save himself by shoving the other into the breach.
Del Bishop stepped into the centre of the little circle, paused, and looked every man in the eyes before he spoke.
"Is there a man here'll say I'm a coward ?" he demanded without preface.
Again he looked each one in the eyes.

"Or is there a man who'll even hint that I ever did a curlike act ?" And yet again he searched the circle.

"Well and good.

I hate the water, but I've never been afraid of it.

I don't know how to swim, yet I've been over the side more times than it's good to remember.