Mr.Chalk assented, and began a somewhat minute discussion upon the weather, which lasted until the waiter appeared with the lunch.
[Illustration: "'Fine day, gentlemen,' said the stranger, as he raised his glass."] "Bring me another drop o' whisky, George," said the stranger, as the latter was about to leave the room, "and a little stronger, d'ye hear?
A man might drink this and still be in the Band of Hope." "We thought it wouldn't do for you to get the chuck out of it after all these years, Cap'n Brisket," said George, calmly.

"It's a whisky that's kept special for teetotalers like you." Captain Brisket gave a hoarse laugh and winked at Mr.Stobell; that gentleman, merely pausing to empty his mouth and drink half a glass of beer, winked back.
"Been here before, sir ?" inquired the captain.
Mr.Stobell, who was busy again, left the reply to Mr.Chalk.
"Several times," said the latter.

"I'm very fond of the sea." Captain Brisket nodded, and, taking up his glass, moved to the end of their table, with the air of a man disposed to conversation.
"There's not much doing in Biddlecombe nowadays," he remarked, shaking his head.

"Trade ain't what it used to be; ships are more than half their time looking for freights.

And even when they get them they're hardly worth having." Mr.Chalk started and, leaning over, whispered to Mr.Tredgold.
"No harm in it," said the latter.