one of his razors, and when I left him below, sir, it seemed quite
certain that Mr. Gray was on the point of lending him a shirt and
a change of underwear. I--"

"Good God, sir!" gasped Captain Trigger, with something more than
emotion in his voice. "What is this you are telling me?"

"He seems a most likeable chap," explained Mr. Mott lamely. "Quite
a courteous fellow, too, sir. I forgot to mention that he sent
his compliments to you and asks for an interview at your earliest
conven--"

"Asked for an interview? Drag him here at once--by the heels, if
necessary. Tell him I shan't keep him waiting an instant," said
the captain ironically.

Mr. Mott still hesitated. "In the event, sir, that he is in the
midst of shaving--"

"I don't care a hang what he's in the midst of," exclaimed Captain
Trigger. "Even in the midst of changing shirts. Present my compliments
to him, Mr. Mott, and say that he needn't dress up on my account.
I am an old-fashioned sailor-man. It is nothing new to me to see
men who haven't shaved in a fortnight, and others who never change
shirts."

"Very well, sir," said Mr. Mott, and departed.

Presently he reappeared with the stowaway in charge.