It did not move in the least; but as another broken- down buzz like a still fainter echo of the first dismal sound proceeded from it I concluded it must be the head of the ship-keeper.

The stalwart constable jeered in a mock-official manner.
"Second officer coming to join.

Move yourself a bit." "The truth of the statement touched me in the pit of the stomach (you know that's the spot where emotion gets home on a man) for it was borne upon me that really and truly I was nothing but a second officer of a ship just like any other second officer, to that constable.

I was moved by this solid evidence of my new dignity.

Only his tone offended me.
Nevertheless I gave him the tip he was looking for.