"We are able to pay for her without any such assistance from you, and I must respectfully decline your munificent offer," answered Louis.
"Make it three pounds, though Chickworth would have charged me only two," persisted Gray.
"I must still decline."
"I am willing to say four pounds, though you are rather hard on me."
"Make it twenty pounds, and I shall decline it all the same. I am not in want of a job just now," replied Louis very firmly.
"But we must have the steamer, and I hope you will be reasonable, Captain Belgrave. If we proposed to turn you and your party out of the steamer, and take full possession of her, it would be quite another thing," argued Gray. "You can all remain on board of the steamer and enjoy the sail just the same. If you wish to retire to the cabin, we have some excellent wine on board of our vessel, and we will supply you with half a dozen bottles of it, which will help you to pass away the evening."
"Not one of our party drinks wine."
"We only ask you to tow the Golondrina down as far as Carnero Point, and we shall get a breeze of wind by that time."
"It is no use to talk, Mr. Gray. I will not tow the Golondrina down to Carnero Point on any terms you can name," said Louis, so decidedly that the Scotchman was evidently satisfied he could not accomplish his purpose.
"You are a very obstinate Dutchman!" exclaimed Gray, as he turned away from the acting captain, and blew a whistle which it was evident he had carried in his hand during the conversation.