In fact he was so anxious that Jerry
was suspicious.
"I wonder why he doesn't hire some larger boat, or a small steam tug
to go for that derelict?" thought Jerry. "He could get men, who are
regularly engaged in the business of saving vessels, to go out for
that price. Why should he prefer us, when we have had no experience in
that line, and hardly know him? There is something back of all this,
that he is not telling us. I wonder what we had better do?"
"Well?" asked Mr. Blowitz, as none of the boys spoke. Ned and Bob were
waiting for Jerry to reply and the latter was turning it over in his
mind, seeking to find a reason for the strange request.
"When would we have to start?" asked Jerry, at. last.
"I'd like you to go to-morrow, or the day after, at the farthest. It
would not take long to provision the boat for the cruise."
"Will you put your offer in writing?" asked Jerry.
"In writing-- why, isn't my word good? Well, of course-- Oh, I see--
you think I am a stranger here and might-- Oh, well, I have no
objection to drawing up an agreement. Perhaps that will be the best
way."
Mr. Blowitz looked a little annoyed that Jerry should have suggested
such a thing, but he quickly covered his confusion by speaking
rapidly.
"I'll draw up a paper right away," he said, taking a fountain pen from
his pocket. "I'll have the waitress get me some blanks, and you can
have them witnessed before a notary public, if you wish."
"There's no hurry," said Jerry.
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