Dick in the Everglades by A. W. Dimock
page 32 of 285 (11%)
page 32 of 285 (11%)
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early, most of the passengers were yet in their berths and neither
Molly nor her father was to be seen. Dick went out on the dock to inquire for a boat to Chokoloskee, Caxambas or Marco. He was referred to a Captain Wilson, who told him that the boat for Chokoloskee had just sailed, was beyond hailing distance and wouldn't leave again for a week, and that there was no Caxambas or Marco boat in port. Dick found the captain so genial and friendly that he told him something of his story. "I'll fix you out," said Captain Wilson. "I own a sponging outfit and am just starting out on a cruise, but I'm one man short. So you come in his place. It will be a short trip, not over four weeks. You'll make good wages and I'll find you a chance to get to Chokoloskee when we get back. You can live on board till I find it. If you stay here you are bound to lose a week and your board anyhow." "I'd like to go first rate, but I don't know anything about sponging." "You'll learn fast enough. Can you scull?" "A little. I can row better." "Have to scull in sponging, but you'll pick that up. Can you come aboard now? I want to be off." "I need some clothes and would like to say 'good-bye' to some friends on the steamer." |
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