"Isn't that money enough?" and Blowitz seemed much excited.
"Oh, yes, the offer is a very good one. But I think we should consult
with some one-- We--"
"No, there is no need of consulting with any one," interrupted
Blowitz. "I have the papers all made out. We can go before a
notary-public to-night, for it is not late yet, and sign them, and you
can start by to-morrow noon. What do you say? Will you go?"
It was a hard question to decide. The trip was alluring to the boys,
even had there been no prize money connected with it. But there was
something about Blowitz that made them hesitate. His very eagerness to
have them start, almost at once, made them feel there was something
queer back of it all. Still they had undertaken, before this, more
difficult and risky tasks. Why not this one?
"Well, I must have your answer soon," said Blowitz, approaching nearer
to the boat.
"Will you wait just a moment?" asked Jerry. "My chums and I will go in
the cabin and talk it over. We'll let you know right away."
"I'll wait five minutes," said the man. "Time is precious to me. I
have lots to do. But I know you'll go. I'll raise the offer five
hundred dollars. Now, that's the best I can do. But you must start as
soon as possible to-morrow."
"Come in here," called Jerry to his chums, entering the small cabin,
where the three girls had already gone as they did not wish to seem to
listen to the talk between Blowitz and the boys.
Jerry closed the sliding doors, and, by the light of a small lantern
which hung from the cabin ceiling, looked at his companions.
Pages:
99
100
101
102
103
104
105
106
107
108
109
110
111
112
113
114
115
116
117
118
119
120
121
122
123