This way I shall be longer at--at sea.

See ?" "And you are keeping us at sea by your lingering way in coming to a point," smiled Merry.
"Eh ?" said the little man.

Then he seemed to comprehend, and he broke into a sudden cackle of laughter, which he shut off with startling suddenness, looking frightened.
"Beg your pardon!" he exclaimed.

"Quite--ah--rude of me.

I don't do it--often." "You look as if it wouldn't hurt you to do it oftener," said Merry, frankly.