“I know that; but we’ll want it all on our way back.”
“It’ll cost ye four shillin’ apiece for your dinner if ye go to the hotel, though I know another place where ye can get it for three shillin’; but I’m not sure the place is bein’ run now.”
“Never mind the cost, Ethan,” said Jock, recklessly. “We’re out for a time of it, and even such extravagance can be put up with once in a lifetime.”
“Jest as you say,” replied Ethan, though it was evident that he felt in a measure responsible for the expenditures of the lads under his care.
The dock was soon gained, and as Ethan made his boat fast, the light-hearted boys leaped ashore. “Come on, Ethan! Come on, Tom,” said Jock. “We’ll go up to the hotel and get our dinner.”
“Who? Me!” exclaimed the boatman in surprise.
“Yes, you. You and Tom too. Come on, both of you.”
“No,” said Ethan, shaking his head decidedly. “I ain’t a-goin’ to pay no four shillin’ for a dinner when I’ve got enough to eat aboard my boat.”
“Well, let Tom come, anyway,” urged Jock, perceiving that Ethan was not willing to accept the invitation. “We should be glad to have both of you come, and we’ll stand treat for the dinners.”