.MTM5Nw.MTIwNzUx
[??] and the Doctor: the crowded docks, the cold wind, the dangling merchandise, the pervading odor of raw-hide, the gulls and the filth. "I hope you'll forgive my intrusion, Inspector, it seems awfully cold this morning, and there is no heat on board, your window is foamed and I figured you were warm in here. I do hope you don't mind if I stop and warm up for a few minutes." "I'd be delighted. You can pull that chair over there to the stove if you like. Just make yourself comfortable while I pour you a cup of coffee. What ship are you from?" "The Italia, she's lying at the wharf just beyond the Lykes Line-boat, She's a fine boat but she is an icebox this morning. I understand the temperature is 35o outdoors, and it must be 34o in my cabin." "They [underlined -have] heat on board. I don't know why they don't turn it on? Do you take sugar. Doctor? "Just a little if you have it. Thanks. Life is beginning to thaw me already. You're sure this isn't distracting you too much?" It's always a feast or a famine here. Too much to do or too little. It's bread- and -water to-day - reduced rations. With all these ships in the port and all of them struggling to get full or get empty, we ?? showed up last night and only four this morning." "I can't understand that. When they walk out, day after to-morrow, there'll be hardship. I can't see how anybody could wish to anticipate the freeze and go home empty handed when they would get $10.00 an hour on overtime. And the gesture certainly helps nobody." "They figure that absenteeism gives them a better position to bargain from. Now, Doctor, I want to take down your name and address, please." "Do you really, Inspector? Why?" "I'm going to say something to you, Doctor, and I don't want you to think I'm doing it to say something bad. You're a passenger