g without any
notice or introduction. He already knew my name, and he accosted me
as follows:

"Mr. Jeorling, I salute you."

"I salute you in my turn, my friend. What do you want?"

"To offer you my services."

"On what account?"

"On account of your intention to embark on the _Halbrane_."

"Who are you?"

"I am Hurliguerly, the boatswain of the _Halbrane_, and besides, I
am the faithful companion of Captain Len Guy, who will listen to me
willingly, although he has the reputation of not listening to
anybody."

"Well, my friend, let us talk, if you are not required on board
just now."

"I have two hours before me, Mr. Jeorling. Besides, there's very
little to be done to-day. If you are free, as I am--"

He waved his hand towards the port.

"Cannot we talk very well here?" I observed.

"Talk, Mr. Jeorling, talk standing up, and our throats dry, when
it is so easy to sit down in a corner of the Green Cormorant in
front of two glasses of whisky."

"I don't drink."

"Well, then, I'll drink for both of us. Oh! don't imagine you
are dealing with a sot! No! never more than is good for me, but
always as much!"

I followed the man to the tavern, and while Atkins was busy on the
deck of the ship, discussing the prices of his purchases and sales,
we took our places in the eating room of his inn. And first I said
to Hurliguerly: "It was on Atkins that I reckoned to introduce me
to Captain Len Guy, for he knows him very intimately, if I am not
mistaken."

"Pooh! Atkins is a good sort, and the captain has an esteem for
him. But he can't do what I can. Let me act for you, Mr.
Jeorling."

"Is it so difficult a matter to arrange, boatswain, and is there
not a cabin on board the _Halbrane_? The smallest would do for me, and
I will pay--"

"All right, Mr. Jeorling! There is a cabin, which has never been
used, and since you don't mind putting your hand in your pocket if
required--however--between ourselves--it will take somebody
sharper than you think, and who isn't good old Atkins, to induce
Captain Len Guy to take a passenger. Yes, indeed, it will take all
the smartness of the good fellow who now drinks to your health,
regretting that you don't return the compliment!"

What a wink it was that accompanied this sentiment! And then the man
took a short black pipe out of the pocket of his jacket, and smoked
like a steamer in full blast.

"Mr. Hurliguerly?" said I.

"Mr. Jeorling."

"Why does your captain ob