There were times when he longed to throw down the table and flee into the night.

And even that was debarred him; to do anything, to say anything, to move at all, were only to precipitate the barbarous tragedy; and he sat spellbound, eating with white lips.

Two of his companions observed him narrowly, Attwater with raking, sidelong glances that did not interrupt his talk, the captain with a heavy and anxious consideration.
'Well, I must say this sherry is a really prime article,' said Huish.
''Ow much does it stand you in, if it's a fair question ?' 'A hundred and twelve shillings in London, and the freight to Valparaiso, and on again,' said Attwater.

'It strikes one as really not a bad fluid.' 'A 'undred and twelve!' murmured the clerk, relishing the wine and the figures in a common ecstasy: 'O my!' 'So glad you like it,' said Attwater.

'Help yourself, Mr Whish, and keep the bottle by you.' 'My friend's name is Huish and not Whish, sit,' said the captain with a flush.
'I beg your pardon, I am sure.