At that I hate to sell, but I've got to. I figure a
bird in the hand is worth two in the bush."
"Why have you got to?" Cappy shrilled. "You're crazy! You don't have
to."
"But the next payment will come due on her before I receive any
charter money from the Steel people, and that will clean me for fair.
I can't help myself. Besides, I've got these other fifteen vessels
chartered; I'll have to have capital--and I've got to have it quickly
or I'll be a pauper while you'd be saying Jack Robinson."
"But, Matt, you old dunderhead, you mustn't sell a good thing. Why,
man, you've got a million and a half profit right in the hollow of
your hand; and, oh, we mustn't let it get away, Matt--we mustn't let
it get away!
"It was magnificent, Matt--perfectly magnificent. I'll help you,
sonny. By golly, I'll go to the bat for you and back you for the last
dollar I have. No more monkeyshines between us now, boy! We've had a
lot of fun in our day, playing nip and tuck with each other; but this
is real business. You've got to be saved."
"I had an idea that you would see it in that light, sir," Matt
suggested smilingly. I knew you'd back me up; so I didn't worry. But
you'll have to take half the profit on the deals I've made--that's
only fair."
"Profits!" Cappy Ricks sneered.
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