“When we begin going down hill,” I said, all the while winking at Westy, “she’ll go easier, thank goodness.”
“We’ll have to put on the brakes,” Westy said. “Do you know why they talk about towing lumber?” I asked Pee-wee; “because it’s measured by the foot.”
“You’re crazy!” he shouted.
“Just the same as when they use it for back fences, it’s measured by the yard,” Westy said, all sober like.
“Sure—back—yard,” I said.
“You think you can jolly me, don’t you?” Pee-wee shouted.
“You just keep on bailing,” I said, “and don’t stop. When the tide begins turning you won’t have to bail so fast.”
Jiminy, Pee-wee didn’t know what to think—whether I was kidding him or not. “Why won’t I?” he wanted to know.
“Because it will be going the other way,” I said, “see? It’ll be flowing away from the boat.”
Oh, boy! Pee-wee just emptied the bailing can down my neck.