Let me add to this, that he is considered the best hand at quiet "chaff" in the House, and is allowed, both by his supporters and opponents, to be an honourable man, and a right good fellow.
Such were the two men who now stood side by side on the quarter-deck, looking eagerly at Sam and Halbert through a pair of telescopes.
"Pollifex," said the Captain, "what do you make of these ?" "Gentlemen," said the Secretary, curtly.
"So I make out," said the Captain; "and apparently in good condition, too.

A very well fed man that biggest, I should say." "Ye-es; well, ye-es," said the Secretary; "he does look well-fed enough.

He must be a stranger to these parts; probably from the Maneroo plains, or thereabout." "What makes you think so ?" "Dear me," said the Secretary; "have you been stationed nearly three years on this coast, and ask how a man could possibly be in good condition living in those scrubby heaths ?" "Bad-looking country; eh ?" said the Captain.
"Small cattle-stations, sir," said the Secretary, "I can see at a glance.

Salt beef, very tough, and very little of it.

I shall run a bill through the House for the abolition of small cattle-stations next session." "Better get your estimates through first, old fellow.