His treatment inside was forgotten, and, leaning against
the front of the tavern, he stood open-mouthed, gazing at marvels. Ships
in the harbour suddenly quitted their native element and were drawn up
into the firmament; nobody passed but twins.
"Evening, Mr. Wilks," said a voice.
The steward peered down at the voice. At first he thought it was another
case of twins, but looking close he saw that it was Mr. Edward Silk
alone. He saluted him graciously, and then, with a wave of his hand
toward the sky, sought to attract his attention to the ships there.
"Yes," said the unconscious Mr. Silk, sign of a fine day to-morrow.
"Are you going my way?"
Mr. Wilks smiled, and detaching himself from the tavern with some
difficulty just saved Mr. Silk from a terrible fall by clutching him
forcibly round the neck. The ingratitude of Mr. Silk was a rebuff to a
nature which was at that moment overflowing with good will. For a moment
the steward was half inclined to let him go home alone, but the
reflection that he would never get there softened him.
"Pull yourself t'gether," he said, gravely, "Now, 'old on me."
The road, as they walked, rose up in imitation of the shipping, but Mr.
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