The man halted in front of him in a conversational attitude.

Merefleet knew the position well.

It came back to him on a flood of memory.

He could not believe that it was twenty years since he had talked with such an one.
"Wind in the nor'-east, sir," said the man.
"Yes.

It's cold for the time of year," said Merefleet.
The man assented.
"Fish plentiful ?" asked Merefleet.
"Nothing to boast of," was the guarded reply.
Merefleet had expected it.