"Bet you a shilling you let it out before you reach the Sea-mew," said Dick.
"I don't bet," said Brack.
"You mean you dare not in this case, or you would lose."
"Very like I should, because I see yer burstin' to hear it, and I wouldn't like to disappoint yer," said Brack, as he ceased rowing and leaned on his oars.
"Tired?" said Dick.
"With that bit of a pull," said Brack, disgusted; "I should think not!"
"Then what are you resting for?"
"I baint restin', I'm easin' my oars."
"Oh, that's it: the oars are tired," said Dick.
"No more tired than I am, but when I gives 'em a spell for a few minutes they seems to work better," said Brack. "What's more, I talks better when I leans on 'em, sort o' gives me composure, and time to think; I'm a beggar to think."