full of the blown odours of shipping, and
pulling at a bell which sounded with terrifying alacrity just on the
other side of the door. A window was thrown up, right above me, and a
head appeared (of Dewy, as it turned out), and invited me to come
upstairs.

Mr. Dewy met me on the landing, introduced himself, and led me into his
office, where a fat young woman sat awkwardly upon a wooden chair
several inches too high for her. Hastily reviewing the many
professional capacities in which Mr. Dewy could serve her, I decided
that she must be a cook in search of a place. The agent gave me the
only other chair in the room--it was clear that in their various feats
of commercial dexterity the firm depended very little upon furniture--
and balanced himself on the edge of his knee-hole table. He was a
little, round man, and his feet dangled three inches from the floor.
He looked honest enough, and spoke straightforwardly.

"You have come about the yacht, sir. You would wish to inspect her at
once? This is most unfortunate! Your letter only reached us this
afternoon. The fact is, my partner, Mr. Moss, has gone off for the day
to N-- to attend a meeting of the Amateur Bee-keepers' Association--my
partner is an enthusiast upon bee-culture."

The versatility of Moss began to grow bewildering. "--and will not be
back until late to-night. As for me," he consulted his watch,
"I am due in half an hour's time to conduct the rehearsal of a service
of song at the Lady Huntingdon's Chapel, down the street, where I play
the harmonium."

The diversity of Dewy dazed me.

"You are staying the night at F--?" he said.

"Why, yes. I sleep at the Ship Inn, but hoped to leave early
to-morrow."

"Of course you could inspect the sails and gear at once; they are in the
loft behind." He jerked a thumb over his shoulder.

"So I understand, but it would be better to see the boat first."

"Naturally, naturally. I hope you see how I am placed? You would not
desire me, I feel sure, to disappoint the chapel members who will be
waiting presently for their rehearsal. Stay . . . perhaps you would not
greatly object to rowing up and inspecting the yacht by yourself?
Here are the keys, and my boat is at your disposal; or, if you prefer
it, a waterman--"

"Nothing would suit me better, if you don't mind my using the boat."

"It will be a favour, sir, your using her, I assure you. This way, if
you please."

He jumped down from the table