“‘As I was riding along the river I saw a rather smart looking barge.’
“‘Did you?’ says you.
“‘Yes,’ says he, ‘and as I was told it was your property, I’ve come to see you about it.’
“‘It’s not for sale,’ says you.
“‘Oh, I don’t want to buy it,’ he says, quick enough. ‘I just want to engage it.’
“‘Very well,’ says you. ‘That’s what I keep it for; my charge is four shillings for the day.’
“‘And how much for the night?’ asks he. And with that you see he’s a merry chap and has an honest face.
“‘It’s seldom or never,’ says you, ‘that any one hires the barge for after dark, so I don’t know about that.’
“‘Have your boat ready at ten to-night,’ says he briskly, ‘and you’ll earn a handful of Spanish dollars.’
“So at that you’re a little taken by surprise.