Is the skipper going to start a farm ?" "Get on, man, and don't make so much noise." "Noise, sir!" growled the boatswain, for it was he; and he looked hard at a couple of officers in undress uniform, whose attention had been taken by the dogs.
"It's enough to make any one grumble.

I'm 'customed to tea and rice and a few passengers.

I don't understand all this--ship turned into a live-stock show, a barracks, and a farm all in one." He went off growling, and the mate turned to the officers.
"A bit rusty, gentlemen," he said, smiling.

"It will soon wear off, as we get shipshape." "Sooner the better," said one of the officers, who turned to the dogs, and had a look at them before speaking to Nic.
"Yours ?" he said.
"I have charge of them." "Then you are a passenger ?" "Yes; I'm going out with Lady O'Hara." "The governor's wife! Well, how do you think you will like the sea ?" "Oh, very well," said Nic.

"Of course I shan't like it when it's rough." "Nor anybody," said the officer, "eh, Harvey ?" "I shall not," said the gentleman addressed, as he pulled the setter's long ears.
"So long as it isn't rough.