Mr.Dickens's Christian name is Cornelius; but don't mention it before him, he is very sensitive on that point." The Dickenses "tickled" the captain exceedingly, and, after the meal was over, he spoke of them to Pearson.
"Say," he said, "you're in notorious company, ain't you, Jim?
What has Cornelius Charles turned out so far, in the way of masterpieces ?" Pearson laughed.

"I believe he is employed by a subscription house," he replied.

"Doing hack work on an encyclopedia.

A great collection of freaks, aren't they, Captain Warren ?" "Kind of.

But that old book-shop man and his wife seem nice folks.