“List A,” a large leather-bound volume, was brought in and laid upon the table before the ship-broker, who at once opened it, and began to run his fingers slowly down an index. Then he rapidly turned up an entry in the book itself, and read out—
“‘Challenger—brig; 450 tons; softwood built, iron-fastened, sheathed with zinc; nine years old; well found in sails, ground-tackle, and all necessary stores, ready for sea. Price 1800 pounds.’ How will that do? She is really a very decent vessel of her kind, and exceedingly cheap at the price.”
“We might take a look at her,” remarked George, “but her description does not sound very inviting.”
Another reference to the index, another turning up of an entry, and—
“Well, what do you think of this? ‘Lucy—brigantine; 520 tons; oak-built, coppered, and copper-fastened throughout; has only been to sea twice; excellent sea-boat, very fast and weatherly; fully found in every respect, and quite ready for sea. Price 2500 pounds.’”
“That sounds very much better,” answered Leicester, who, to tell the truth, was almost as much taken with the name as anything else; “but I don’t particularly admire the rig.”
“Umph!” ejaculated Mr Roberts, pursing up his lips and referring to the index once more. “Um, um, Maid of the Mist—Lizzie—Highland Lass—Enterprise—ah! yes; perhaps this will do. ‘Enterprise—brig; seven years old, oak-built, iron-fastened, 350 tons register, will carry 600 tons dead-weight; well found. Price 2200 pounds. Requires a few trifling repairs amounting to possibly 500 pounds.’ How does that strike you?”
“Not very favourably,” was the reply.
“Well, let’s try again,” remarked the ship-broker. “I know I can suit you.”
Another reference to the index, then a sudden sharp closing of the book, with the muttered ejaculation, “The very thing! What a donkey I am not to have thought of her before.”