"'I'll not be harsh!' says Tom.
"'Another thing, Tom,' says Sam. 'You're askin' me t' pay for twenty years o' life when I can use but a few. God knows how many!'
"'I got you where I wants you,' says Tom, 'but I isn't got the heart t' grind you. Will you pay two thousand dollars for my seat in the boat?'
"'If you is fool enough t' take it, Tom.'
"'There's something t' boot,' says Tom. 'I wants t' die out o' debt.'
"'You does, Tom.'
"'An' my father's bill is squared?'
"'Ay.'
"''Tis a bargain!' says Tom. 'God witness!'
"'Lads,' says Skinflint Sam t' the others in the rodney, 'I calls you t' witness that I didn't ask Tom West for his seat in the boat. I isn't no coward. I've asked no man t' give up his life for me. This here bargain is a straight business deal. Business is business. 'Tis not my proposition. An' I calls you t' witness that I'm willin' t' pay what he asks. He've something for sale. I wants it. I've the money t' buy it. The price is his. I'll pay it.'