him to refuse anything, being, like many indolent youths, an
accomplished guest. In fact, he was usually as ready to accept
favors as he was carelessly generous when he happened to be in
funds. The technique of receiving comes to some people naturally;
others cannot assume an obligation without giving offence. Kirk
was one of the former. Yet now he felt a sudden, strange hesitancy
and a self-consciousness that made graceful acquiescence
impossible. He continued firm, therefore, even when Stein gibed at
him good-humoredly:

"I suppose it's against your principles to drink, as well as to
gamble?"

"Exactly."

"That's good, after the way you came aboard."

"How did I come aboard?"

"Oh, I didn't see you, but I heard about it."

Kirk flushed uncomfortably, muttering: "The acoustics of this ship
are great. A man can't fall asleep but what somebody hears it."

Stein laughed: "Don't get sore; all ships are alike--we have to
talk about something. Sorry I can't help you with the shirt
question. Deuced careless of them to lose your luggage."

"Yes! It makes one feel about as comfortable as a man with a
broken arm and the prickly heat. Something's got to be done about