"Let me do it for you," said Captain Brisket, impressively. "I'll tell
you where to go without being seen in the matter or letting old Todd know
that I'm in it. Ask him a price and bate him down; when you've got his
lowest, come to me and give me one pound in every ten I save you."
Mr. Tredgold looked at his friends. "If we do that," he said, turning to
the captain, "it would be to your interest to buy the ship in any case.
How are we to be sure she is seaworthy?"
"Ah, there you are!" said Brisket, with an expansive smile. "You let me
buy for you and promise me the master's berth, provided you are satisfied
with my credentials. Common sense'll tell you I wouldn't risk my own
carcass in a rotten ship."
Mr. Stobell nodded approval and, Captain Brisket with unexpected delicacy
withdrawing to the window and becoming interested in the harbour,
conferred for some time with his friends. The captain's offer being
accepted, subject to certain conditions, they settled their bill and made
their way to the ferry.
"There's the schooner," said the captain, pointing, as they neared the
opposite shore; "the _Fair Emily,_ and the place she is lying at is
called Todd's Wharf.
Pages:
93
94
95
96
97
98
99
100
101
102
103
104
105
106
107
108
109
110
111
112
113
114
115
116
117