Do you mean the tide?
If so, it is close on the turn now." I blushed, and said, stammering, "Please don't take it amiss if I ask you; I mean no offence: but what ought I to pay you?
You see I am a stranger, and don't know your customs--or your coins." And therewith I took a handful of money out of my pocket, as one does in a foreign country.

And by the way, I saw that the silver had oxydised, and was like a blackleaded stove in colour.
He still seemed puzzled, but not at all offended; and he looked at the coins with some curiosity.

I thought, Well after all, he _is_ a waterman, and is considering what he may venture to take.

He seems such a nice fellow that I'm sure I don't grudge him a little over-payment.

I wonder, by the way, whether I couldn't hire him as a guide for a day or two, since he is so intelligent.
Therewith my new friend said thoughtfully: "I think I know what you mean.