"Why, the captains of all the Atlantic liners regularly sell their quarters." "But Captain West is not the captain of an Atlantic liner," Mr.Harrison observed gently.
"Remember, I am to be on that ship many a month," I retorted.

"Why, heavens, bid him up to a thousand if necessary." "We'll try," said Mr.Gray, "but we warn you not to place too much dependence on our efforts.

Captain West is in Searsport at the present time, and we will write him to-day." To my astonishment Mr.Gray called me up several days later to inform me that Captain West had declined my offer.

"Did you offer him up to a thousand ?" I demanded.

"What did he say ?" "He regretted that he was unable to concede what you asked," Mr.Gray replied.
A day later I received a letter from Captain West.