"You want the boat alone?"
"Yes."
"Well, that can't be. I have seats for several—and wife and four babies at home told me to make the most I could out of them. It has been some time since one has tried to look old Tamerlane in the eye, thinking to scare him out of his dinner. The game used to be common; it's not so now."
"But I will pay you for all the seats."
"Full five?"
"Yes."
"In advance?"
"Yes."
"Jump in, then—and get out your money—fifty-five noumias—while I push through these howling water-dogs."
By the time the boat was clear of the pack, truly enough the passenger was with the fare in hand.