Then he poured out a tumblerful of whiskey, as the observers judged it was from its color, and drank it off.

At this point Graines descended to the cabin and confronted the fellow.
Christy, after taking a long look to the south-east, followed the engineer into the cabin, for it was possible that his companion intended to look into the condition of Captain Sullendine, and he desired to be present at the interview.
"Good-morning, Bokes," said Graines, as he placed himself in front of the seaman.
"Mornin', Mr.Balker," replied Bokes; and the heavy drink he had just taken appeared to have done nothing more than steady his nerves, for he seemed to have the full use of his faculties.
"How do you feel this morning, my friend ?" continued the engineer; and Christy thought he was making himself very familiar with the boozing seaman, who was at least fifty years old.
"Fine's a fiddle-string," replied Bokes.

"We done got out all right, I reckon;" and it was plain that he had not taken notice that the schooner was no longer in tow of the steamer.
"All right," replied Graines, as he placed himself on a stool, and pushed another towards the sailor, who seated himself.

"By the way, friend Bokes, I suppose you have been on board of the Tallahatchie ?" "More'n a dozen times, here 'n' up in Mobile.

My fust cousin's an 'iler aboard on her," replied Bokes.
"How many guns does she carry ?" asked the engineer in a very quiet tone, though the man did not seem to be at all suspicious that he was in the act of being used for a purpose.
"I don't jest know how many guns she kerries; but she's got a big A'mstrong barker 'midships that'll knock any Yankee ship inter the middle o' next year 'n less time 'n it'll take you to swaller a tot o' Kaintuck whiskey.