Page:The Bridge of San Luis Rey (Grossett & Dunlap).pdf/140

 The Captain got him very drunk. At first they poured and drank and poured and drank in silence. Then the Captain began to talk about ships and their courses. He asked Esteban questions about tackle and about the guide-stars. Then Esteban began to talk about other things, and to talk very loudly:

“On the ship you must give me something to do all the time. I’ll do anything, anything. I’ll climb up high and fix ropes; and I’ll watch all night,—because, you know, I don’t sleep well anyway. And, Captain Alvarado, on the ship you must pretend that you don’t know me. Pretend that you hate me the most. So that you’ll always give me things to do. I can’t sit still and write at a table any more.—And don’t tell the other men about me that is, about ”

“I hear you went into a burning house, Esteban, and pulled someone out.”

“Yes. I didn’t get burned or anything. You know,” cried Esteban, leaning across the table,