"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. "Suppose you draw up the papers, and
we can meet you here to-morrow to talk things over further. I think we
should take a little time to consider this. It is rather a queer
proposition--"

"Oh, of course, I don't want to hurry you into it," declared Mr.
Blowitz, in rather a nervous manner. "Of course I could get some other
boat and a regular crew, but I saw you boys, and I took a liking to
you. I thought you might like to earn some money and, if you have good
luck, it oughtn't to be hard work."