Chapter 45: Chapter 45

Ten pounds was a lot of money for someone the likes of Charlie Swanson. George had anticipated Charlie would leap at the chance to earn such a sum. Twenty-five pounds was the maximum he would offer.

"Fifteen pounds!"

"Makes it twenty and y"aves a deal," instantly countered Charlie.

George pretended to look serious, as if giving the matter some consideration.

"I"m not sure. My employers may not approve of such a high fee."

"I"ll do ya job and do it proper like. It will be done as you want, she"ll go down after seven or eight weeks or so," Charlie said with remarkable confidence.

George looked at Charlie for a moment and decided he had no option. He had to agree.

"It"s a deal, but on one condition. I"ll give you half now, and the other half when the Prince Rupert has sailed and no longer visible from port," George demanded. "If she starts to go down before she leaves harbour, then you will not be paid the balance. Is this understood?"