Seems like the two wenches hed run away, an' the deputy hed caught 'em, an' wus a takin' 'em back.

Kirby cum 'long ter help, bein' as how they belonged ter him." "You knew Kirby then ?" "Hell, ov course.

Thar ain't many river men who don't, I reckon.

What is it to you ?" "Nothing; it sounds like a strange story, that's all.

I want to get this wet stuff off, and will be out on deck presently." I was shivering with the cold, and lost no time shifting into the warm, dry clothing provided, spreading out my own soaked garments over the edge of the lower bunk, but careful first to remove my packet of private papers, which, wrapped securely in oiled silk, were not even damp.