"Isn't it the boat in which I carried you across the river yesterday?"
"Of course."
"Then what business had you to cut the rope and carry it off?"
"I didn't."
"Then how did you come by it?"
"I bought it!"
"Bought it!" exclaimed Grit and Jesse simultaneously.
"Yes, I bought it, and it is mine," continued Phil, with a smile of triumph. "It's just as much mine to-day as it was yours yesterday."
"I never sold it to you," said Grit, perplexed.
"No, but your stepfather, Mr. Brandon, did. If the rope was cut, he cut it."