"My thanks, señor, but I can make shift to sleep on deck," I replied.
"There will be rain—there is always rain in this northern country of yours. No. You will do me the favor of sharing this cabin with me. There are two berths, as you see."
I looked gravely at the rude bunks built, one above the other, on the left wall, and bowed my acceptance of the offer.
"It is well," he continued. "My niece and her woman will share the middle room. There remains only the question of purchase."
"Leave the bargaining to me," I said quickly, at sight of the shrewd-faced Yankee who came down the wharf as we stepped out into the open prow.
"The affair is entirely in your hands, doctor," assented the señor.
The Yankee stepped aboard with an air of brisk business.
"I cal'clate ye want a boat," he began. "Let ye have this 'un dirt cheap."
"How much?" I demanded.
"One seventy-five."