"Well, you see, it's--this way: I--I don't care to be--overheard. I
don't want anybody to--to think I'm prying into their--private business.
You understand?"

"I can't say that I do."

"Perhaps I can make myself--er--clearer."

"Perhaps you can."

"My name is--er--Slush--Peddington Slush."

"Holy cats! what a name!" muttered Browning, while Rattleton grinned
despite his sickness.

"I--I'm taking a sea voyage--for--for my health," explained Mr. Slush.
"That's why I didn't go over on a--a regular liner. This way I shall be
longer at--at sea. See?"

"And you are keeping us at sea by your lingering way in coming to a
point," smiled Merry.

"Eh?" said the little man. Then he seemed to comprehend, and he broke
into a sudden cackle of laughter, which he shut off with startling
suddenness, looking frightened.

"Beg your pardon!" he exclaimed. "Quite--ah--rude of me. I don't do
it--often."

"You look as if it wouldn't hurt you to do it oftener," said Merry,