For fear of appearing shamefaced I started about it so free and easy as almost to frighten myself.

He listened for a while looking at my face with surprise and curiosity and then held up his hand.

I was glad enough to shut up, I can tell you.
"Well, you are a cool hand," says he.

"And that friend of yours too.

He pestered me coming here every day for a fortnight till a captain I'm acquainted with was good enough to give him a berth.