The windows were great portholes, and two large swinging lamps furnished the light.

Pictures of naval worthies and of sea actions lined the walls.

Two or three of the battle scenes were quite spirited, and Robert regarded them with interest.
"Have you fought in any of those encounters, Mr.Hardy ?" he asked.
Willet laid a reproving hand upon his shoulder.
"'Twas a natural question of yours, Robert," he said, "but 'tis the fashion here and 'tis courtesy, too, never to ask Benjamin about his past life.

Then he has no embarrassing questions to answer." Robert reddened and Hardy broke again into that deep, spontaneous laughter which, in time, compelled all the others to laugh too and with genuine enjoyment.
"Don't believe all that David tells you, Robert, my brave macaroni," he said.

"I may not answer your questions, but faith they'll never prove embarrassing.