Presently he
hailed Wicks.
"You're a kind of company, ain't you, Captain Kirkup?"
he inquired.
"Yes, we're all on board on lays," was the reply.
"Well, then, you won't mind if I ask the lot of you
down to tea in the cabin?" asked Trent.
Wicks was amazed, but he naturally ventured no remark;
and a little after, the six Currency Lasses sat down
with Trent and Goddedaal to a spread of marmalade,
butter, toast, sardines, tinned tongue, and steaming
tea. The food was not very good, and I have no doubt
Nares would have reviled it, but it was manna to the
castaways. Goddedaal waited on them with a kindness
far before courtesy, a kindness like that of some old,
honest country-woman in her farm. It was remembered
afterwards that Trent took little share in these
attentions, but sat much absorbed in thought, and
seemed to remember and forget the presence of his
guests alternately.
Presently he addressed the Chinaman.
"Clear out," said he, and watched him till he had
disappeared in the stair.--"Now, gentlemen," he went
on, "I understand you're a joint-stock sort of crew,
and that's why I've had you all down; for there's a
point I want made clear.
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