The fisherman seemed to lose all interest in the conversation. He was silent for some minutes, then as though it were no matter of great concern, he said:
"You'd want her fer fishin', I s'pose?"
"Well, in a way," admitted Ben. Then, as though revealing something of importance, he added: "We was thinkin' of runnin' to St. Pierre now and then."
The fisherman nodded sagely in a manner that showed he understood.
"Was you, now? Tobaccy is a big price, 'tis true."
"And so is sugar and whiskey and gear," said Ben.
Quite satisfied now of the character of his guests, the other said: "But they're cheaper in St. Pierre."
Ben nodded. "That's so."
"Eighty dollars, was it, I said I'd take for her?"
"Seventy-five. But we mentioned we was going to give sixty for one if we found her."