Page:Morley roberts--Blue Peter--sea yarns.djvu/81

Rh grin upon him which, property divided, would have made the whole ship's company look happy.

"That ten dollars is mine," said Corlett. "Jack, you're ten dollars short. I wouldn't part with my claim on it for nine dollars and ninety-nine cents." "We've 'eard too many rotten dodges lately," said Eales, "to take that in. What's the news now?"

But Corlett shook his head.

"I'm for the shore with you, sonny, and I'll tell you goin' along."

He bubbled as he walked, and every now and again burst into a roar of laughter, which was so infectious that Eales joined in at last.

"You are a funny bloke," said Eales; "and I'll say this for you, Corlett: I've never looked on you as a fool."

And Corlett sat down on a pile of lumber and laughed till he ached.

"Me a fool! Jack Eales, I'm the smartest cove on this coast. My notion's worth an 'undred dollars. It's as clear as mud, and as easy as eatin' good soft tack, and so neat that I wonder at myself. And it fits everythin'—everythin'."