Next day by afternoon, Lough Foyle being already far behind, and
only the rough north-western hills of Ireland within view, Alick
appeared on deck to court inquiry and decide his fate. As a matter
of fact, he was known to several on board, and even intimate with
one of the engineers; but it was plainly not the etiquette of such
occasions for the authorities to avow their information. Every one
professed surprise and anger on his appearance, and he was led
prison before the captain.
'What have you got to say for yourself?' inquired the captain.
'Not much,' said Alick; 'but when a man has been a long time out of
a job, he will do things he would not under other circumstances.'
'Are you willing to work?'
Alick swore he was burning to be useful.
'And what can you do?' asked the captain.
He replied composedly that he was a brass-fitter by trade.
'I think you will be better at engineering?' suggested the officer,
with a shrewd look.
'No, sir,' says Alick simply. - 'There's few can beat me at a lie,'
was his engaging commentary to me as he recounted the affair.
