Mr. Trunnell

Book Excerpt: ...low and distinct, and I noticed it was not unpleasant."I have that honor," said the little mate, with drunken gravity, sobering quickly, however, under the stranger's look."There are no passengers?" asked the man, as the younger companion opened the door leading into the captain's cabin and gazed within."Not a bleeding one, and I'm not sorry for that," said Trunnell; "the old man wasn't built exactly on passenger lines.""You wouldn't take a couple, then, say for a good snug sum?""Well, that's the old man's lay, and I can't say as to the why and wherefore. He'll probably be along in an hour or two at best, for the tug will be alongside in a few minutes. We're cleared, and we'll get to sea as soon as the bloody crimp gets the bleeding windjammers aboard. They ought to be along presently.""Em-m-m," said the man, and stroked his chin thoughtfully. "He'll be along shortly, will he, --and you are all ready. I think I can hear the tug coming now, hey? Isn't that it?""S'pose so," answered...