"
The captain grunted.
"That was two years ago," continued Mr. Tasker; "and his spirit's quite
broke. He 'as to give all his money except a shilling a week to his
wife, and he's not allowed to go into pubs. If he does it's no good,
because they won't serve 'im. If they do Selina goes in next morning and
gives them a piece of 'er mind. She don't care who's there or what she
says, and the consequence is Mr. Vickers can't get served in Binchester
for love or money. That'll show you what she is."
"Well, tell her I won't have her here," said the captain, rising.
"Good-night."
"I've told her over and over again, sir," was the reply, "and all she
says is she's not afraid of you, nor six like you."
[Illustration: "All she says is she's not afraid of you, nor six like
you."]
The captain fell back silent, and Mr. Tasker, pausing in a respectful
attitude, watched him wistfully. The captain's brows were bent in
thought, and Mr. Tasker, reminding himself that crews had trembled at his
nod and that all were silent when he spoke, felt a flutter of hope.
"Well," said the captain, sharply, as he turned and caught sight of him,
"what are you waiting there for?"
Mr.
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