“Where’s that boy of mine, Cap’n?” he called out as he approached. “He never came home for breakfast.”
“You’re the very man I want,” said the Cap’n, brightening. “We’ve got to get that tug out, quick. The lads went fishing hours ago, and I guess they can’t get back against this wind. I went to ask Barker about it just now, and he as good as told me to go and hang myself.”
“Why?” asked Tony, astonished.
“Because he ain’t giving nothing away, if he can help it. It’s money he’s after, every time and all the time. We were just getting up a subscription.”
“Don’t worry about that,” said Tony, in a businesslike manner. “I’ll hire the tug.”
Two minutes later Tony was in the ship-owner’s office, demanding that the Simon P. Barker should put to sea without any delay, in search of the Sea-Lark.
“It’s all very well you talking to me like that,” said Mr. Barker, “but you must remember I don’t come down to your place and order you about. A thing of this kind is a matter of business with me. I can’t interrupt my men in what they’re doing and send my tug out to sea every time a couple of lads get sky-larking in a boat.”
“I’m not asking you any favor,” said Tony, coldly. “All I do ask you is to hustle. I will make myself responsible for your bill.”
“Well, now you’re talking!” exclaimed the ship-owner. “If you’re prepared to hire the tug, that’s exactly what she’s there for. Where d’you want her to go?”