O'Reilly And I Rattled Down The Companion, Breathing Hurry; And In His Shirt-Sleeves And Perched Across The Carpenters Bench Upon One Thigh, Found Blackwood; A Neat, Bright, Dapper, Glasgow-Looking Man, With A Bead Of An Eye And A Rank Twang In His Speech.

I forget who was with him, but the pair were enjoying a deliberate talk over their pipes. I dare

Say he was tired with his day's work, and eminently comfortable at that moment; and the truth is, I did not stop to consider his feelings, but told my story in a breath.

'Steward,' said I, 'there's a man lying bad with cramp, and I can't find the doctor.'

He turned upon me as pert as a sparrow, but with a black look that is the prerogative of man; and taking his pipe out of his mouth -

'That's none of my business,' said he. 'I don't care.'

I could have strangled the little ruffian where he sat. The thought of his cabin civility and cabin tips filled me with indignation. I glanced at O'Reilly; he was pale and quivering, and looked like assault and battery, every inch of him. But we had a better card than violence.

'You will have to make it your business,' said I, 'for I am sent to you by the officer on the bridge.'

Blackwood was fairly tripped. He made no answer, but put out his pipe, gave me one murderous look, and set off upon his errand strolling.

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