"I will do
anything I can, only I didn't know this was a show-boat, and I'm afraid
I am pretty ignorant about shows anyway."
"That will be all right," replied the Captain. "My own experience in
the dramatic line has been so extensive that I shall have no difficulty
in posting you. I am surprised, though, that you did not recognize
this boat as having been built by one of the profession, and especially
adapted to its requirements. There are certain features about the
_Whatnot_--which, by the way, I consider a most original and attractive
name--that are intended to indicate--"
"Suppah, sah! An' Missy Sabel awaitin'," interrupted Solon, thrusting
his woolly head into the doorway at that moment.
Glad as Winn was of this diversion, and though he was as thankful as
only a famished boy can be that a bountiful meal awaited him, he would
willingly have gone hungry a little longer rather than enter that
dining-room just then. Although the engine-room did not afford a
mirror, he was conscious that he must present about as absurd a figure
as can well be conceived. He was bare-footed, and the left leg of his
trousers was turned up to keep it from the floor, while the right,
owing to the Captain's misfortune, barely reached his ankle. A
checkered woolen shirt hung about him in folds, and over it he wore a
garment that Cap'n Cod was pleased to style his "professional coat.
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