The young Captain looked at his second mate.
“How does it strike you, Chester?”
“I’m with you if you wish to make the experiment. If things don’t turn out as we wish we can withdraw at any time.”
“Of course I shall expect to pay you for your services——”
“Then you will be disappointed,” interrupted Alvin crisply. “The Deerfoot isn’t for hire, and if we go into this it will be for the fun we hope to get out of it.”
“I think I can guarantee you some entertainment. I presume you two will be the only ones on the boat beside myself.”
“You mustn’t overlook my first mate, Mike Murphy. It would break his heart if we should go on a cruise and leave him behind.”
“I am afraid he is too impetuous and too fond of a fight.”
“He may have a weakness in those directions, but his good nature, pluck and devotion to my friend and me more than make up.”
“It strikes me——”