On the following morning Benny had a serious proposition to make Sam Hardy, and after his portion of the morning’s work had been done he called the surfman aside.
“I want to ask a favor of you, Mr. Hardy.”
“Well, lad, what is it?”
“All hands call me No. 8, so that proves I’m regularly one of the crew, don’t it?”
“Of course it does, Benny.”
“Then I should have some regular work.”
“So you have, my lad. You’re doin’ as much now as the cook, an’ some of the boys are beginnin’ to think you can take his place next season.”
“My work in the kitchen don’t count. It’s only enough to take up the spare time. What I mean is, I ought to have a share in all that the crew does.”
“What are you drivin’ at, Benny? Suppose you talk it right out plain, an’ then I’ll understand the quicker.”
“It’s this, Mr. Hardy: I want to go on patrol duty with you every night, no matter what time you start out.”