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he said weakly.
'
Well, it 'as 'appened, you see,' returned Huish. 'Try some; it's
devilish good.'
The Rubicon was crossed without another struggle. The captain filled a
mug and drank.
'
I wish it was beer,' he said with a sigh. 'But there's no denying it's
the genuine stuff and cheap at the money. Now, Huish, you clear out and
take your wheel.'
The little wretch had gained a point, and he was gay. 'Ay, ay, sir,'
said he, and left the others to their meal.
'Pea soup!' exclaimed the captain. 'Blamed if I thought I should taste
pea soup again!'
Herrick sat inert and silent. It was impossible after these months of
hopeless want to smell the rough, high-spiced sea victuals without
lust, and his mouth watered with desire of the champagne. It was no less
impossible to have assisted at the scene between Huish and the captain,
and not to perceive, with sudden bluntness, the gulf where he had
fallen. He was a thief among thieves. He said it to himself. He could
not touch the soup. If he had moved at all, it must have been to leave
the table, throw himself overboard, and drown--an honest man.
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