"That surprises you?
Well, it isn't usual.

And it wasn't so in this ship either, before.

It's only since--" He checked himself again.

"Yes.

Here we shall feed, you and I, facing each other for the next twelve months or more--God knows how much more! The bo'sun keeps the deck at meal-times in fine weather." He talked not exactly wheezing, but like a man whose breath is somewhat short, and the spirit (young Powell could not help thinking) embittered by some mysterious grievance.
There was enough of the unusual there to be recognized even by Powell's inexperience.