SAILORS' KNOTS

By W.W. Jacobs


1909



PETER'S PENCE


Sailormen don't bother much about their relations, as a rule, said the
night-watchman; sometimes because a railway-ticket costs as much as a
barrel o' beer, and they ain't got the money for both, and sometimes
because most relations run away with the idea that a sailorman has been
knocking about 'arf over the world just to bring them 'ome presents.

Then, agin, some relations are partikler about appearances, and they
don't like it if a chap don't wear a collar and tidy 'imself up. Dress
is everything nowadays; put me in a top 'at and a tail-coat, with a
twopenny smoke stuck in my mouth, and who would know the difference
between me and a lord? Put a bishop in my clothes, and you'd ask 'im to
'ave a 'arf-pint as soon as you would me--sooner, p'r'aps.

[Illustration: "Put a bishop in my clothes, and you'd ask 'im to 'ave a
'arf-pint as soon as you would me."]

Talking of relations reminds me of Peter Russet's uncle. It's some years
ago now, and Peter and old Sam Small and Ginger Dick 'ad just come back