.

.

You're smart and willing (this to me very sudden and loud) and all that, aren't you ?" "I just managed to open and shut my mouth, no more, being taken unawares.
But it was enough for him.

He made as if I had deafened him with protestations of my smartness and willingness.
"Of course, of course.

All right." And then turning to the Shipping Master who sat there swinging his leg, he said that he certainly couldn't go to sea without a second officer.