"If he should, charge him fifteen dollars."
"Yes, Massa Bob," answered Clip, with a grin.
"If you wish your nephew to go to St. Louis on my boat, Mr. Wolverton," said Bob, with ceremonious politeness, "I will take him, being a friend, for fifteen dollars, excursion ticket. You can't complain of that."
"But I don't want him to go," roared Wolverton. "I tell you he has run away."
"That's very strange, considering how kindly and liberally you have always treated him."
Wolverton eyed Bob suspiciously, for he knew well enough that the remark was ironical.
"None of your gammon, young man!" he said, crabbedly. "Send Sam ashore."
"Really, Mr. Wolverton, you must be joking. What have I got to do with Sam?"
"I don't believe a word you say. I mean to search your boat."
"You had better do it at once, then, for it is time for me to start."