I--I hope I am not--intruding ?" He had not crossed the threshold.

He seemed in doubt about the advisability of venturing in.
There was something amusing in the appearance of the little man.

Frank recognized a "character" in him, and Merry was interested immediately.
He invited the little man in, and closed the door when that person had entered.
"I--I know it's rather--rather--er--bold of me," said the stranger, apologetically.

"But you know people on shipboard--er--take many--liberties." "Oh, yes, we know it!" muttered Diamond.
Browning grunted and looked the little man over.

He was a curiosity to Bruce.
"What can we do for you, sir ?" asked Frank.
The little man hesitated and looked around.