Nothing to do and everything of the best."
"'Ave you made all the arrangements?" inquired Mr. Wilks, in a tone of
cold superiority.
Mr. Smith glanced affectionately at a fish-bag of bulky appearance which
stood on the floor between his feet. "All ready," he said, cheerfully,
an' if you'd like a v'y'ge yourself I can manage it for you in two twos.
You've on'y got to say the word."
"I don't want one," said the steward, fiercely; "don't you try none o'
your larks on me, Nathan Smith, cos I won't have it."
[Illustration: "Mr. Nathan Smith."]
"Lord love your 'art," said the boarding-master, "I wouldn't 'urt you.
I'm on'y acting under your orders now; yours and the captin's. It ain't
in my reg'lar way o' business at all, but I'm so good-natured I can't say
'no.'"
"Can't say 'no' to five pounds, you mean," retorted Mr. Wilks, who by no
means relished these remarks.
"If I was getting as much out of it as you are I'd be a 'appy man,"
sighed Mr. Smith.
"Me!" cried the other; do you think I'd take money for this--why, I'd
sooner starve, I'd sooner. Wot are you a-tapping your nose for?"
"Was I tapping it?" demanded Mr. Smith, in surprise. "Well, I didn't
know it. I'm glad you told me."
"You're quite welcome," said the steward, sharply. "Crimping ain't in my
line; I'd sooner sweep the roads.
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