“Jus’ a little leak, Skipper Bill,” Skipper George explained, when Bill o’ Burnt Bay had accounted for his presence in Little Pony. “Sprung it in the gale.”
“Did you, now?” said Skipper Bill, suspiciously; 262 “’tis lucky we happened along. I’m a bit of a carpenter, meself, an’ I’d–––”
“Not at all!” Skipper George protested, with a large wave of the hand. “Not at all!”
“’Twould be no trouble–––”
“Not at all!” Skipper George repeated. “Here’s Tommy just found the spot, an’ we’ll plug it in short order.”
Skipper Bill could ill conceal his suspicion.
“You’re in trouble yourself with the Spot Cash, says you,” said Skipper George. “We’ll lend you a spar an’ a couple o’ hands t’ set it.”
“We’ll buy the spar,” Archie put in.
Skipper George laughed heartily. “Well, well,” said he. “Have it your own way. You make your repairs, an’ I’ll make mine; an’ then we’ll see who’s back t’ the Shore ports first.”
Archie bethought himself.