The greeting of the correspondent is that of the commercial traveller on the road.
'My own hand,' said the young man, without looking up.

'Have you any tobacco ?' Torpenhow waited till the sketch was finished, and when he had looked at it said, 'What's your business here ?' 'Nothing; there was a row, so I came.

I'm supposed to be doing something down at the painting-slips among the boats, or else I'm in charge of the condenser on one of the water-ships.

I've forgotten which.' 'You've cheek enough to build a redoubt with,' said Torpenhow, and took stock of the new acquaintance.

'Do you always draw like that ?' The young man produced more sketches.