Mr. Tredgold, with a significant glance at Mr. Chalk, said that it
reminded him of a sea-fog.
It only reminded Mr. Chalk, however, of a smoky chimney from which he had
once suffered, and he at once entered into minute details. The theme was
an inspiriting one, and before Mr. Tredgold could hark back to the sea
again Mr. Stobell was discoursing, almost eloquently for him, upon
drains. From drains to the shortcomings of the district council they
progressed by natural and easy stages, and it was not until Miss Drewitt
had withdrawn to the clearer atmosphere above that a sudden ominous
silence ensued, which Mr. Chalk saw clearly he was expected to break.
"I--I've been telling them some of your adventures," he said,
desperately, as he glanced at the captain; "they're both interested in
such things."
The latter gave a slight start and glanced shrewdly at his visitors.
"Aye, aye," he said, composedly.
"Very interesting, some of them," murmured Mr. Tredgold. "I suppose
you'll have another voyage or two before you've done? One, at any rate."
"No," said the captain, "I've had my share of the sea; other men may
have a turn now.
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