Page:Cruise of the Dry Dock.djvu/136

 Another pause filled with slow weary swimming, then Greer said:

“Said I was no gentleman… didn't know a French word… I keep sober.”

Madden made no defense to this reflection on the unconscious Englishman, but after a while he said:

“We ought to overlook lots in him, Greer—unfortunate fellow… there's good in him, Greer… bad too.”

“I've got no call to please you,” growled the sailor with astonishing frankness.

“Then why did you come with us?” inquired Madden amazed.

“Wanted to see the schooner.”

“And what have I done to you?”

“Called me a thief!” the sailor elevated his dull tone. “After I telegraphed ye about th' men… fought for ye… called me a thief!”

“Was that you tapping on the dock?”

Greer nodded resentfully. “And ye insulted me for it.”

“I'm sorry… I was almost wild that night. I'll apologize… before the crew.”