"Two courses are open to us, Mr.Arnold, in treating that question.

We may put it briefly, or we may put it at great length.

I am for putting it briefly.
What do you say ?" "What you say, Sir Patrick." "Very good.

May I begin by making an inquiry relating to your past life ?" "Certainly!" "Very good again.

When you were in the merchant service, did you ever have any experience in buying provisions ashore ?" Arnold stared.