"Islands can be anything out here in the tropics, especially near the Ayquator.

Now look here: if we want to get inland--as we do, we must find the mouth of the first river and follow the sides of the stream." "Sure, sor," said Billy Widgeon, "we passed that same about a hundred yards back, and the bosun and I knelt down and had a dhrink." The major turned upon little Billy, who had spoken with a broad Irish accent, and stared at him, sticking his glass in one eye so as to have a better look.
"Look here, sir," he said; "you're not an Irishman, and that's a bad imitation of the brogue.

Do you hear?
You are not an Irishman, I say ?" "Sorra a bit, sor." "Then is it making fun of me you are ?" cried the major, suddenly growing broad in turn.
"No, sir, not I," said Billy, looking as serious as a judge and scratching his head the while.
"Then why did you talk like that ?" "I dunno, sor." "You don't know, you scoundrel ?" "No, sir.

I once lived in Ireland for a whole year, and we used to talk like that; and I suppose it was hearing you say Ayquator, sir, turned on the tap." Gregory turned away so as to ask the second-mate a question just then, and they both looked very red in the face as the major coughed, blew out his cheeks, and ended by clearing his throat and speaking as a drill-sergeant does.
"You'd better be careful, sir.

Now, gentlemen," he added, "suppose we go on." "I say, bosun," said Billy, rubbing one ear until it was quite red, "what have I been a-doing of ?" "Getting your tongue in a knot, my lad.