"Lawry, wouldn't you be willing to sell out your interest in the Woodville at a small figure?" laughed Mr. Sherwood.
"No, sir!"
"Your brother, who seems to be a person of some experience in such matters, thinks you will not be able to raise the steamer. If that is likely to be the case, I don't want you to waste your time and strength for nothing. I should be glad to employ some men to raise the Woodville for you."
"Thank you, sir. You are very kind," replied Lawry.
"If you like, we will ride down to Port Henry to-night, and employ a man to do the job."
"I think we shall succeed, sir."
"What's the use of talking, Lawry?" interposed Ben. "You'll not get her up in seven years."
"Don't you think you had better give it up, Lawry?" asked Mr.
Sherwood.
"Not yet, sir."
"What do you think, Lawry? Hadn't you better let me employ a man to do the work?"