George Rumm and Tom Tulk boarded the Black Eagle in the rain and sought the shelter of her little cabin. The cook had made a fire for the skipper; the cabin was warm and quiet. Tom Tulk closed the door with caution and glanced up to see that the skylights were tight. Skipper George produced the bottle and glasses.
“Now, Skipper George,” said Tom Tulk, as he tipped the bottle, “’tis a mint o’ money an’ fair easy t’ make.”
“I’m not likin’ the job,” the skipper complained. “I’m not likin’ the job at all.”
“’Tis an easy one,” Tom Tulk maintained, “an’ ’tis well paid when ’tis done.”
Skipper George scowled in objection.
“Ye’ve a soft heart for man’s work,” said Tom, with a bit of a sneer. 214
Skipper George laughed. “Is you thinkin’ t’ drive me by makin’ fun o’ me?” he asked.
“I’m thinkin’ nothin’,” Tom Tulk replied, “but t’ show you how it can be done. Will you listen t’ me?”
“Not me!” George Rumm declared.