The captain shut the Bible as he came in. “Well, Mister Mate?” “All quiet, sir.” The captain Looked at him sharply. “Sit down,” he said in a bark. The mate’s knees gave as he sat. “It’s⁠—hot down there,” He said, a little weakly, wanting to wipe His face again, but knowing he’d smell that blackness Again, if he did. “Takes you that way, sometimes,” Said the captain, not unkindly, “I remember Back in the twenties.” Something hot and strong Bit the mate’s throat. He coughed. “There,” said the captain. Putting the cup down. “You’ll feel better now. You’re young for this trade, Mister, and that’s a fact.”