Duke Barrows said, "I don't suppose you would accept the coffee we served you as part payment?"
Scotty snorted. "Aren't you the one said it wasn't coffee?"
"All right." Duke's shoulders slumped. "Drive me into debt paying you off. Go ahead."
"We will," Rick retorted, "and don't take the price of these papers you gave us off the amount, either."
The editor laughed. "Okay. Take them home, Jerry. They'll have to wait until the first of the month for their money, just like the rest of our creditors. So long, kids, and thanks a million for a swell story."
As they drove to the landing, Rick glanced quizzically at Jerry. "Well, you asked for it. Remember?"
Jerry was puzzled.
"The night we went to get a story on the wreck," Scotty explained. "Didn't you say you wished you would get in on an adventure with us?"
"I certainly did. I didn't know what I was asking for, believe me." Jerry's grin widened. He touched his head tenderly, patting the bruises he had collected. Then he laughed. "I was scared silly, but you know, I kind of enjoyed it!"
Rick and Scotty broke into laughter, too.