"'Cause everybody that comes hyar wants to see him, and he's gone away boat-riding," replied Sam.
"Who's boat has he got?"
"Sah? Oh, he's got Mr. Gus's boat, and don't allow to be back before to-morrow morning."
"Well, I guess you had better give him that card and tell him I must see him," said Mr. Gibbons. "I am Bob's attorney, and if I don't see him now I shall see him before a justice's court. Tell him that."
Sam reluctantly took the card and disappeared, and in process of time the lawyer heard Mr. Layton coming along the hall. He did not open the door as Sam had done, but opened it wide and greeted Mr. Gibbons with great warmth.
"I never was more surprised in my life than I was when Sam told me that he said I was out boat-riding, and that I wouldn't be back until to-morrow morning," said Mr. Layton, extending his hand to Mr. Gibbons, and at the same time ignoring the fact that he had told Sam to deliver that message not five minutes before. "I did intend to go boat-riding, but something happened to prevent. Come in."
The lawyer wanted to smile, but did not. He knew why it was that Mr. Layton came out to see him. The knowledge that he would be summoned before a justice of the peace to answer the questions that were to be propounded to him had quickened his perceptions wonderfully. He followed Mr. Layton along the hall to the library, and the door was closed upon him.
"Sit down," said his host, who seemed to think that by rapid talking he could put off the questions a little longer. "Let me take your hat."
"Thank you. I can put it here on the table just as well," said Mr. Gibbons. "I shall not be able to stop long."
"You see," added Mr. Layton, "Gus has lately come into possession of a new boat, and is anxious to try her. I don't know anything about sailing—"