"Can you take us across to Portville?"
"Yes, sir," answered Grit promptly.
The two gentlemen got in, and Grit was about to push off, when Brandon said:
"Stop, Grit; I'll go, too."
"You'll have to wait, Mr. Brandon," said Grit coolly, and a determined push sent the boat out into the stream, and frustrated the design of his stepfather.
"You don't want any more passengers, I see," said one of the gentlemen, smiling.
"Not of that kind," answered Grit.
"You are right. The man had evidently been drinking, and his presence would have been disagreeable to us."
When the boat reached the opposite shore, the gentleman who had engaged him handed Grit half a dollar.
Grit was about to offer change, but the passenger said: