By this time the Olivette, although her engine was stopped, had overlapped the barge. The skipper of the latter, evidently fearing that his request would be "turned down ", brought his hands trumpet-wise to his mouth and bellowed:
"I'll give you ten pun' for a tow."
"Take on the job, Armitage," said his employer.
The Scoutmaster raised one arm in a gesture of assent, and immediately the crew of the barge—two men and a boy—prepared to run out a warp.
"All out!" ordered Mr. Armitage, when the barge had gathered way in the wake of the powerful little motor-craft.
"I don't know whether we are transgressing and breaking regulations by towing for hire," observed the Scoutmaster.
"We were asked," replied: Mr. Murgatroyd. "The skipper is evidently in a hurry, or else he wouldn't have offered ten pounds."
"You've earned something by keeping on," said Mr. Armitage.
"Not I," protested the owner. "I'm only a sort of passenger."
"As owner you are entitled to a part at least of the towage," persisted Mr. Armitage.