into the top bunk! The seas filled him full and he had to climb for
it. He's all awash and wet now, and you oughta seen me praying for
more." He paused and sighed. "I'm getting old, I guess. I oughta
wring his neck, but somehow I ain't got the gumption. Just the same,
he'll be overside before we get in."

"A month's wages against a pound of tobacco he won't," I challenged.

"No," said Mr. Pike slowly. "But I'll tell you what I will do. I'll
bet you a pound of tobacco even, or a month's wages even, that I'll
have the pleasure of putting a sack of coal to his feet that never
will come off."

"Done," said I.

"Done," said Mr. Pike. "And now I guess I'll get a bite to eat."



CHAPTER XXXI



The more I see of Miss West the more she pleases me. Explain it in
terms of propinquity, or isolation, or whatever you will; I, at
least, do not attempt explanation. I know only that she is a woman
and desirable. And I am rather proud, in a way, to find that I am
just a man like any man. The midnight oil, and the relentless
pursuit I have endured in the past from the whole tribe of women,
have not, I am glad to say, utterly spoiled me.