The Upper Berth

Book Excerpt: ...ing," I remarked, by way of introduction."Well," said he, eying me with an air of ready interest, "it's a fine morning and it's not a fine morning. I don't think it's much of a morning.""Well, no--it is not so very fine," said I."It's just what I call fuggly weather," replied the doctor."It was very cold last night, I thought," I remarked. "However, when I looked about, I found that the porthole was wide open. I had not noticed it when I went to bed. And the state-room was damp, too.""Damp!" said he. "Whereabouts are you?""One hundred and five----"To my surprise the doctor started visibly, and stared at me."What is the matter?" I asked."Oh--nothing," he answered; "only everybody has complained of that state-room for the last three trips.""I shall complain too," I said. "It has certainly not been properly aired. It is a shame!""I don't believe it can be helped," answered the doctor. "I believe there is something--well, it i...