“ Mr. Job Potterson,” Mr. Inspector continued, “I drink your health. Mr. Jacob Kibble, I drink yours. Hope you have made a prosperous voyage home, gentlemen both.”

Mr. Kibble, an unctuous broad man of few words and many mouthfuls, said, more briefly than pointedly, raising his ale to his lips: “Same to you.” Mr. Job Potterson, a semi-seafaring man of obliging demeanour, said, “Thank you, sir.”