If it couldn't, I should have been drowned long ago." "Sure," Mr.Pike upheld her.

"So would I." "The officers can perform miracles with the most worthless sailors, in a pinch," Miss West went on.
Again Mr.Pike nodded his head and agreed, and I noted his two big paws, relaxed the moment before and drooping over the rail, quite unconsciously tensed and folded themselves into fists.

Also, I noted fresh abrasions on the knuckles.

Miss West laughed heartily, as from some recollection.
"I remember one time when we sailed from San Francisco with a most hopeless crew.

It was in the _Lallah Rookh_--you remember her, Mr.
Pike ?" "Your father's fifth command," he nodded.