Page:Paine--J Archibauld McKaney collector of whiskers.djvu/60

   factory and wanted my whiskers for stuffing?"

Wilkins saw that it would only alarm his shipmate to enlarge upon the musical values of whiskers and tactfully based his persuasions upon a show of cash. Still mystified, but confiding in the oft-proven friendship of Wilkins, able seaman O'Dwyer at length declared that he was ready to follow him until the surface of Hades became solidly congealed, or words to that effect. As they walked toward the water front a salty breeze swept up from the harbor and fairly whistled through the notable beards of these two seafarers. Wilkins halted in his tracks and cocked his head as if eagerly listening. O'Dwyer stared at him with gloomy misgivings as if his suspicions were trooping back, and muttered something about "having known 'em to hear voices in the early stages."

As Wilkins tells it, he felt himself blush up to the eyes as he came to himself with a start and thought aloud:

"I just couldn't help listening. But of 42]