Page:Tom Beauling (1901).pdf/173

 tween Colombo and Singapore was made in a small ship, fairly groaning with passengers—Beauling said they were packed like bananas in the bunch—and threatened to end on a mud-bank off the dismal city of Penang. At Singapore his first inquiry after the delinquent Tibbs had met with an enraging reply. "Tibbs? Oh, yes, he's here—heard of him the other night at the Lascelles'; wasn't there myself; don't go out much, you know; heard he got it up the nose—hurt some young lady's feelings."

"Where will I find him?"

"Most likely at the foot-ball—McKenzies and Larrups, y' know—playin' off a tie or somethin'."

"All right—and much obliged."

Beauling looked this way and that over the heads of the crowd.

"If I'd run across a case of penitence and contrition," he said, "I'd know what to do; but to find he isn't penitent and contrite, but as cocky as if he had done something to be proud of, getting drunk at a mixed liarty and playing the