"You know where it is?"
"Oh, yes!"
"How far is it?"
"Something like fifteen miles."
"Can you take me there at once?"
"Well," said the man, removing his pipe from his mouth and regarding Miss Chalmers with solemn interest, "it all depends on what you call 'at once.' I can take you there, but I'm no speed-king."
"Take me, then!" exclaimed Miss Chalmers. "And get my trunks."
The man went up the wharf at a leisurely gait, accompanied by the boy. Almost immediately the boy came back.
"He says he can't take all them trunks, and for you to pick out two."
Miss Chalmers strode back to her trunks with no improvement of temper. She found the boatman surveying them placidly.