Page:Minnie's Bishop and Other Stories (1915).djvu/129

 He'd have nursed it in his arms the whole way like a baby."

"Two pounds, seven shillings and fourpence!" said Lieutenant Eckersley.

Mr. Benson saw his opportunity for taking revenge for the snubs he had suffered in the morning.

"Of course you naval men are bound to keep up your dignity," he said. "But even if the pig had been let run loose about your cabin he wouldn't have made more of a mess of that uniform of yours. I almost fancy I can smell it from here."

But Lieutenant Eckersley had no spirit left for self-assertion.

"Two pounds, seven shillings and fourpence," he murmured. "Good Lord!"