His companion was in the act of raising his to his lips when the ship gave a roll, his elbow caught the back of a chair, and the tumbler slipped from his fingers.
"It's of no consequence," he declared, ringing for the steward.

"I'll go into the smoking room and get a drink.

I was only going to have some to keep you company.

As a matter of fact, I prefer whiskey." Mr.Coulson sat down upon the berth.

He seemed indisposed for speech.
"I'll leave you now, then," his friend said, buttoning his coat around him.