He said, "Weren't you a midshipman once, sir, in the old 'Lancaster' ?" "Yes," said Osborn.

"Why ?" "Didn't you fall overboard ?" "Yes, I did.

How do you come to know about it ?" "Wasn't there a new patent machine aboard, and didn't they throw it over to save you ?" "Why, yes," said Osborn, laughing gently, "but it didn't do it." "No, sir, it was a sailor that done it." "It certainly was.

Look here, my man, you are getting distinctly interesting.

Were you of our crew ?" "Yes, sir, I was." "I reckon you may be right.