We mustn't forget that there's two other little strangers aboard" (roars of laughter).

"They 'olds their 'eads rather 'igh p'raps, for _stowaways_" ("Hear! hear!"), "but no doubt their talents bears 'em out" ("Hear, hear!" from Dennis, which found a few friendly echoes).

"Anyway, as they've paid us a visit, without waiting to ask if we was at 'ome to callers, we may look to 'em to contribute to the general entertainment.

Alister Auchterlay will now favour the company with a song." The boatswain stood back and folded his arms, and fixed his eyes on the sea-line, from which attitude no appeals could move him.

I was very sorry for Alister, and so was Dennis, I am sure, for he did his best to encourage him.
"Sing 'GOD save the Queen,' and I'll keep well after ye with the fiddle," he suggested.