"All right; just as you say," he answered, and it seemed likely that conflict was inevitable.
James Garfield had been an attentive observer, and an attentive listener to what had been said. He had formed his own ideas of what was right to be done.
"Look here, captain," he said, tapping Captain Letcher on the arm, "does this lock belong to us?"
"I really suppose, according to law, it does not; but we will have it, anyhow."
"No, we will not," replied the boy.
"And why not?" asked the captain, naturally surprised at such a speech from his young driver.
"Because it does not belong to us."
The captain was privately of opinion that the boy was right, yet but for his remonstrance he would have stood out against the claims of the rival boat. He took but brief time for considerations, and announced his decision.
"Boys," he said to his men, "Jim is right. Let them have the lock."
Of course there was no more trouble, but the bowman, and the others connected with the Evening Star, were angry. It irritated them to be obliged to give up the point, and wait humbly till the other boat had passed through the lock.