RANKIN (with some indignation). I hope you don't think I met Sir
Howrrd in that way.
DRINKWATER. Mawt yeppn to the honestest, best meanin pusson, aw
do assure yer, gavner.
RANKIN. I would have you to know that I met him privately, Mr.
Drinkwotter. His brother was a dear friend of mine. Years ago. He
went out to the West Indies.
DRINKWATER. The Wust Hindies! Jist acrost there, tather sawd thet
howcean (pointing seaward)! Dear me! We cams hin with vennity, an
we deepawts in dawkness. Down't we, gavner?
RANKIN (pricking up his ears). Eh? Have you been reading that
little book I gave you?
DRINKWATER. Aw hev, et odd tawms. Very camfitn, gavner. (He
rises, apprehensive lest further catechism should find him
unprepared.) Awll sy good awtenoon, gavner: you're busy hexpectin
o Sr Ahrd an Lidy Sisly, ynt yer? (About to go.)
RANKIN (stopping him). No, stop: we're oalways ready for
travellers here. I have something else to say--a question to ask
you.
DRINKWATR (with a misgiving, which he masks by exaggerating his
hearty sailor manner). An weollcome, yr honor.
RANKIN. Who is this Captain Brassbound?
DRINKWATER (guiltily). Kepn Brarsbahnd! E's-weoll, e's maw Kepn,
gavner.
RANKIN. Yes. Well?
DRINKWATER (feebly). Kepn of the schooner Thenksgivin, gavner.
RANKIN (searchingly). Have ye ever haird of a bad character in
these seas called Black Paquito?
DRINKWATER (with a sudden radiance of complete enlightenment).
Pages:
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26