Maybe you eat with me--hey?
Or would you wait for ze Capitaine ?" "I 'll take pot-lunch with you, Broussard," I agreed genially, speaking loud enough so the negro would overhear.

"I 've got to get accustomed to camp fare, and am hungry enough to begin.

Besides, Captain Henley is laid up in his berth with a sick headache, and does n't wish to be disturbed.

He told me to tell you, Louis." "Yes, sah! Shall Ah make you sum coffee, sah?
Massa Broussard he don't nebber drink none." "Yes, and, by the way, Louis, take a lunch in to the lady; fix up something neat if you can, and let me know when it is ready.

All right, Broussard, a nip of that brandy would help me." He passed the bottle, and a clean glass across the table, watching me pour out the liquor with a sarcastic smile.
"You know ze Capitaine before, maybe ?" he asked.
"No," I answered, wondering what he could be aiming at, but willing to give him a free rein.