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.
'Have you been to sea?' again asked the captain.
'I've had a trip on a Clyde steamboat, sir, but no more,' replied the
unabashed Alick.
'Well, we must try and find some work for you,' concluded the
officer.
And hence we behold Alick, clear of the hot engine-room, lazily
scraping paint and now and then taking a pull upon a sheet.
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