"It would," replied the Scoutmaster, addressing Jim and ignoring Garge's corroboration. "To me five pounds represents two days' work, and strenuous work at that. Now, tell me: what did you do in picking up the dinghy to warrant a payment of five pounds?"
"It blawed tur'ble 'ard," declared Jim, in extenuation of his claims.
"And yet the dinghy came ashore undamaged," countered Mr. Graham.
"An' us went over our knees in water," countered Jim.
"Ay, over our knees in water," repeated Garge, with parrot-like fidelity.
"But you were wearing thigh boots," said Mr. Graham swiftly. "In those conditions you had no inconvenience and certainly no risk. And, what is more to the point, you had the boat and made no attempt to immediately report the matter to the Receiver of Wrecks. Immediately, mind. Those are the official instructions."
"Don't be 'ard on a couple o' pore seafarin' men, sir," said Jim.
"I don't mean to be," replied Mr. Graham. "At the same time I don't mean to allow myself to be done. You understand that? Good. Well, here's a pound note. That's all you'll get out of me. Desmond and Bedford, launch the boat and push off."
A few minutes later both dinghies at about five yards abreast were heading for Wootton Creek.
"Only a pound!" exclaimed Mr. Collinson, when the matter was told him. "That was quite reasonable. If it had been me I should have paid whatever the sharks asked. I suppose it's a failing of mine."