Ask him a price and bate him down; when you've got his lowest, come to me and give me one pound in every ten I save you." Mr.Tredgold looked at his friends.

"If we do that," he said, turning to the captain, "it would be to your interest to buy the ship in any case.
How are we to be sure she is seaworthy ?" "Ah, there you are!" said Brisket, with an expansive smile.

"You let me buy for you and promise me the master's berth, provided you are satisfied with my credentials.

Common sense'll tell you I wouldn't risk my own carcass in a rotten ship." Mr.Stobell nodded approval and, Captain Brisket with unexpected delicacy withdrawing to the window and becoming interested in the harbour, conferred for some time with his friends.

The captain's offer being accepted, subject to certain conditions, they settled their bill and made their way to the ferry.
"There's the schooner," said the captain, pointing, as they neared the opposite shore; "the _Fair Emily,_ and the place she is lying at is called Todd's Wharf.