AstheCaptain，withadejectedface，stoodrevolvingthesethoughts，andpolishingtheMidshipman，partlyinthetendernessofoldacquaintance，andpartlyintheabsenceofhismind，aknockingattheshop-doorcommunicatedafrightfulstarttotheframeofRobtheGrinder，seatedonthecounter，whoselargeeyeshadbeenintentlyfixedontheCaptain\'sface，andwhohadbeendebatingwithinhimself，forthefivehundredthtime，whethertheCaptaincouldhavedoneamurder，thathehadsuchanevilconscience，andwasalwaysrunningaway。
`What\'sthat？\'saidCaptainCuttle，softly。
`Somebody\'sknuckles，Captain，\'answeredRobtheGrinder。
TheCaptain，withanabashedandguiltyair，immediatelysneakedontiptoetothelittleparlourandlockedhimselfin。Rob，openingthedoor，wouldhaveparleyedwiththevisitoronthethresholdifthevisitorhadcomeinfemaleguise；butthefigurebeingofthemalesex，andRob\'sordersonlyapplyingtowomen，Robheldthedooropenandallowedittoenter：whichitdidveryquickly，gladtogetoutofthedrivingrain。
`AjobforBurgessandCo。atanyrate，\'saidthevisitor，lookingoverhisshouldercompassionatelyathisownlegs，whichwereverywetandcoveredwithsplashes。`Oh，how-de-do，Mr。Gills？\'