No man of Tod's class ever took his hat off to his superior officer.

They had other ways of showing their respect for his authority--instant obedience, before and behind his back, for instance.
The captain's eyes absorbed the man from his thick shoes to his perspiring hair.
"Norwegian, ain't ye ?" "No, sir; Swede." "Not much difference.

When did ye leave Sweden?
You talk purty good." "When I was a boy." "What kin ye do ?" "I'm a good derrick man and been four years with a coaler." "You want steady work, I suppose." The stranger nodded.
"Well, I ain't got it.

Gov'ment app'ints our men.

This is a Life-Saving Station." The stranger stood twisting his cap.