Page:'Twixt land and sea - tales (IA twixtlandseatale00conr).pdf/25

 when I asked him to what, then, I owed the pleasure. He was reaching for an inside pocket leisurely.

“My brother’s a very different person. But I am well known in this part of the world. You've probably heard”

I took a card he extended to me. A thick business card, as I lived! Alfred Jacobusthe other was Ernestdealer in every description of ship’s stores! Provisions salt and fresh, oils, paints, rope, canvas, etc., etc. Ships in harbour victualled by contract on moderate terms

“I’ve never heard of you,” I said brusquely.

His low-pitched assurance did not abandon him.

“You will be very well satisfied,” he breathed out quietly.

I was not placated. I had the sense of having been circumvented somehow. Yet I had deceived myselfif there was any deception. But the confounded cheek of inviting himself to breakfast was enough to deceive any one. And the thought struck me: Why! The fellow had provided all these eatables himself in the way of business. I said:

“You must have got up mighty early this morning.”

He admitted with simplicity that he was on the quay before six o’clock waiting for my ship to come in. He gave me the impression that it would be impossible to get rid of him now.

“If you think we are going to live on that scale,” I said, looking at the table with an irritated eye, “you are jolly well mistaken.”

“You'll find it all right, Captain. I quite understand.”