“Any boat that will take me to Belize.”

“No boat go to-day.” The man settled back in his corner.

“You mean they won’t go to-day?” The boy’s brow wrinkled.

“No go.”

“Not for any price?”

“Oh! Special trip, go. Maybe. You got twenty dollars?”

Pant hesitated. He had twenty dollars and a little change. To part with it all would seem to be courting disaster. But much was at stake. He threw all in the balance.

“Yes, I have twenty dollars. Where is the boat?”

“Me see.” The man held out a hand. Pant showed him two golden eagles.

“My boat sailing boat. Good boat. Very fast boat. Ready to go, fifteen minutes.” At sight of the gold the man went into action.