“Oh, he won’t hurt you,” the boy explained, “he’s just a tame cub. We’ve had him ever since he was as big as a kitten. Row us across to that little cove over there and I’ll give you a dollar.”
Uncle Zeke fingered his bald pate and entered into negotiations for the job, still with his eyes fixed suspiciously on Teddy.
“Ah’ll done row you over for a dollar,” he said.
“But the bear’s got to go,” Alex insisted.
“Dat’ll be anudder dollar,” insisted Uncle Zeke.
“All right,” Alex laughed, “where’s your boat?”
Delighted with having made so good a bargain, Uncle Zeke led the way to the river bank not far away and pointed out a fair-sized rowboat rocking in the water.
“Why!” Alex exclaimed excitedly. “Where did you get that boat?”
“Ah bought it,” replied the negro.
The boat was the one belonging to the Rambler!