Frank was surprised.
The truckman slapped his hand against his hip and muttered:
"I told him! The thing is hoodooed! Anybody as has anything to do with it is bound to buck against hard luck."
"This is rather surprising information," said Frank Merriwell, speaking with the utmost calmness, while he studied the face of the stranger with piercing eyes. "I hardly understand it. I believe Jack Benjamin has the reputation in Boston of being on the level, and so I hardly understand a piece of business like this."
"Perhaps Benjamin was stuck, found it out, and got out of the hole the best way he could."
"How do you mean?"
"Perhaps at the time he bought the boat, he didn't know I held the bill of sale of her."
Frank started.
"Ha!" he exclaimed. "Then Benjamin did not give you the bill of sale?"