Collected works > Edinburgh edition, 1894-98 - Works of Robert Louis Stevenson > Volume 20, 1896 - Travels and excursion, Volume III

THE OLD CALABOOSE
tooth-tablet) with perfect propriety and neatness.
—Who's to officiate?'
' Leave me alone for that,' said the clerk. He
knocked the necks off with a lump of coral, and
each drank in succession from the shell.
'Have a weed,' said Davis. ' It 's all in the bill.'
' What is up ? ' asked Herrick.
The captain fell suddenly grave. ' I 'm coming
to that,' said he. 'I want to speak with Herrick
here. You, Hay — or Huish, or whatever your name
is — you take a weed and the other bottle, and go
and see how the wind is down by the purao. 1 11
call you when you 're wanted ! '
'Hey? Secrets? That ain't the ticket,' said
Huish.
'Look here, my son,' said the captain, 'this is
business, and don't you make any mistake about it.
If you 're going to make trouble, you can have it
your own way and stop right here. Only get the
thing right : if Herrick and I go, we take the beer.
Savvy ? '
'O, I don't want to shove my oar in,' returned
Huish. ' I '11 cut right enough. Give me the swipes.
You can jaw till you 're blue in the face for what I
care. I don't think it's the friendly touch, that's
all.' And he shambled grumbling out of the cell
into the staring sun.
The captain watched him clear of the courtyard ;
then turned to Herrick.
' What is it ? ' asked Herrick thickly.
' I '11 tell you,' said Davis. ' I want to consult
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