Rum un, aren't I ?" "You don't expect me to say what I think, do you ?" said Mark smiling.
"One to you, boy," said the mate, nodding; and this time there was a vestige of a smile on his plain face.

"Here, ugly, try that." This was the outside of a big piece of gristly steak which the mate cut off, and held toward the dog, who approached slowly and as if in doubt, but ended by taking it.
"Yah! What are you sniffing at?
Think there was mustard on it?
Big friends, I suppose, you and him ?" "Yes, sir, we're capital friends." "Humph! Better make friends with a good lad of your age.

I hate dogs.
What are you laughing at ?" "You, sir." "Eh?
Oh! I see!" paid the mate grimly.

"I do, though, all the same.
Don't you believe it ?" "No," replied Mark smiling; "and Bruff does not believe it either." For after the mate had given the dog a couple of pieces of steak, Bruff had stopped by him and laid the heavy head upon his knee to patiently wait for further consignments of cargo, which, however, did not come, for the chief officer was thoughtfully stirring his tea with his left hand, while his right, as he said he hated dogs, was involuntarily rubbing the rough jowl, the process being so satisfactory that Bruff half-closed his eyes.
"Humph! This seems a better dog than some," said the mate.

"No business on board ship, though.