Andy, mystified, opened his mouth.
“I—” he began.
“That’s what I understood,” said his questioner solemnly. “Did I also understand you to say you had some knowledge of the theory of flying machines?”
Doubly perplexed, Andy’s jaw dropped further.
“I—” he began once more.
“Very well,” went on Captain Anderson. “Then it’s all settled. But I can’t pay you over a dollar a day, and as money is scarce down here, I’ll have to settle in some other way. This is a pretty good boat we’re riding in. It’s worth about ten dollars. I’ll give it to you, and deliver it in advance, for ten days’ labor.”
A yell rent the air. Mrs. Leighton and Mrs. Anderson whirled about regardless of their equilibrium.
“Andrew,” cried his mother, “what’s the matter?”
“Nothing, mother. Only I’ve just made a good bargain. I’ve just bought this boat.”