“About north-west,” was the response. “What ves——”
“What will you charge to tow me in?” interrupted Captain Collins.
“Three hundred dollars,” was the prompt reply.
“O, nonsense,” rejoined Collins. “That’s too much. That’s all they charge when the harbor is full of ice.”
“Our regular price,” said the other.
“O, no, captain,” said Collins; “come, be reasonable. I’ll give you a hundred and fifty.”
“Couldn’t do it, really.”
“Well,” rejoined Collins, “I think we will have a favorable wind soon, and I can get in without being towed.”
“Yes,” retorted the other, ironically; “quite likely. If you have no barometer on board, I’ll lend you one. The mercury has gone clean down out of sight, and we’re going to have a deuce of a blow. I’ll venture it will be a nor’-wester, too.”
“Pooh! No danger. I’ll sail in.”