"I think it a perfectly proper objection too," observed Delilah, rising.
"If we ever needed etiquette we need it now. But I have a plan which will
obviate any further difficulty. If there is no one among us who is
sufficiently well acquainted with the gentleman to present him formally to
us, I will for the time being take upon myself the office of ship's barber
and cut his hair. I understand that it is quite the proper thing for
barbers to talk, while cutting their hair, to persons to whom they have
not been introduced. And, besides, he really needs a hair-cut badly. Thus
I shall establish an acquaintance with the captain, after which I can with
propriety introduce him to the rest of you."

"Perhaps the gentleman himself might object to that," put in Queen
Elizabeth. "If I remember rightly, your last customer was very much
dissatisfied with the trim you gave him."

"It will be unnecessary to do what Delilah proposes," said Mrs. Noah, with
a kindly smile, as she rose up from the corner in which she had been
sitting, an interested listener. "I can introduce the gentleman to you all
with perfect propriety. He's a member of my family. His grandfather was
the great-grandson a thousand and eight times removed of my son Shem's
great-grandnephew on his father's side. His relationship to me is
therefore obvious, though from what I know of his reputation I think he
takes more after my husband's ancestors than my own. Willie, dear, these
ladies are friends of mine. Ladies, this young man is one of my most
famous descendants. He has been a man of many adventures, and he has been
hanged once, which, far from making him undesirable as an acquaintance,
has served merely to render him harmless, and therefore a safe person to
know. Now, my son, go ahead and speak your piece."