I was rather surprised at this speech, but relieved to think that I was not accused of some other crime.
“I did not steal your boat, Mr. Williams,” I replied as calmly as I could.
“I have pretty plain evidence that you did,” returned the boat-owner warmly.
“Nevertheless, you are mistaken, and you ought to know it.”
“I ought to know it? Young man, what do you mean?”
“Didn’t Mr. Markham pay you for the boat?”
“Pay me! Not a cent, sir; not a cent!”
I was surprised.
“He didn’t pay you?” I gasped.
“No, he didn’t; and besides, even if he did, the boat is still mine. When a man hires a boat for a day he isn’t supposed to keep her forever.”