[Raftmates by Kirk Munroe]@TWC D-Link bookRaftmates CHAPTER XXII 2/8
They are fives and tens, and by far the best specimens of that kind of work I have ever seen.
Of course, if you don't catch them it will be all right; but if you do, perhaps you'll remember old friends when the reward is paid." Billy Brackett thanked Mr.Riley, and accepted these friendly offers, though he afterwards remarked to Winn that as they were searching for a lost raft, and not for a gang of counterfeiters, he thought it unlikely that he should ever play the part of Sheriff. "But you'd try for that reward if you had the chance, wouldn't you ?" asked Winn. "No, I would not," was the prompt reply.
"Man-hunting, and especially man-hunting for money, is not in my line.
It is a duty that Sheriffs are obliged to perform, but, thank goodness, I am not a Sheriff." At the conclusion of all these explanations and arrangements, the entire party adjourned to the _Whatnot_, to which Sabella had already returned, and where they were to dine, by Cap'n Cod's invitation. What a good dinner it was, and what a merry one! How Solon, who in a speckless white apron waited at table, grinned at the praises bestowed upon his cooking! How they all chaffed each other! Winn was ironically praised for his success in losing rafts, and the Sheriff for his in capturing counterfeiters; Cap'n Cod was gravely congratulated upon the result of his efforts to entertain the public, and even Sabella was highly praised for her skilful performance on the hand-organ.
With all this banter, Cap'n Cod did not lose sight of the obligation under which Billy Brackett had placed him the evening before, and so sincerely regretted that he and Winn were not to continue their voyage down the river on the _Whatnot_, that the former finally said: "Well, sir, if you really want us to, I don't see why we shouldn't travel with you until we overhaul our raft.
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