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Rh to do you in the eye, sir," said Eales, "for 'e said, sir, as no sober man would 'ave nothing to do with you."

"Are you a teetotaller?" asked Lant.

"To-day I am," said Eales hurriedly. "I was drunk yesterday, and the day after I can't look at an empty bottle even without cold shivers, sir. And it's the same with my mate; ain't it, Corlett?"

"The sight of a tot would make me sick," said Corlett plaintively.

"Well, well," said Lant, "what's your game? Spit it out, I say. I can't give all my time to hearin' you've not the stomach of a man between you. Now, quick, what is it?"

But Eales stood first on one leg and then on the other.

"You, Corlett!"

"No, not me," said the seaman of pure intellect.

"Well, then, sir, Mr. Lant, does you 'ave any sort of respect for Captain Brogger, or would you like to get even for 'is most unkind language respectin' you?"

Lant looked him up and down, and for a moment was inclined to break out violently.