"One hundred and twenty thousand francs."
The strokes became weaker.
"A good business," said Mortimer.
"And you shall not be separated from your beloved Crocodile," said Clary, laughingly; "for as soon as I become the owner of the vessel, I shall make you its captain."
"I'll accept the offer."
"Good; Mr. Mortimer will pay you the money."
"Willingly," said the banker, "as soon as everything is arranged."
"That shall be done at once," exclaimed the giant, gleefully; "and, miss, give me your hand to bind the bargain."
The young girl became frightened; if the giant were to grasp her slender fingers he might crush them, and yet she knew that the shake of the hand was the usual mode sailors chose to bind a bargain. Hesitatingly she held forth her hand, but Wharton, who guessed her anxiety, laid his fist in hers in as gentle a manner as possible. The girl laughed and said:
"Captain, have steam up at once!"