he had once commanded a ship, and come ashore in his smart togs,
and talked big in bars and consulates, and sat in club verandahs,
turned me sick and sober.

He tried to get up when I came in, but that was hopeless; so he
reached me a hand instead, and stumbled out some salutation.

"Papa's (1) pretty full this morning," observed Case. "We've had
an epidemic here; and Captain Randall takes gin for a prophylactic
- don't you, Papa?"

"Never took such a thing in my life!" cried the captain
indignantly. "Take gin for my health's sake, Mr. Wha's-ever-your-
name - 's a precautionary measure."

"That's all right, Papa," said Case. "But you'll have to brace up.
There's going to be a marriage - Mr. Wiltshire here is going to get
spliced."

The old man asked to whom.

"To Uma," said Case.

"Uma!" cried the captain. "Wha's he want Uma for? 's he come here
for his health, anyway? Wha' 'n hell's he want Uma for?"

"Dry up, Papa," said Case. "'Tain't you that's to marry her. I
guess you're not her godfather and godmother. I guess Mr.
Wiltshire's going to please himself."