"That's a nickname the boys have given him, and as everybody calls him so, I have got into that way."
"Oh, well, call him what you like. Has he been in?"
"Yes."
"Where is he now?"
"He went out for a short time. I expect him in every minute."
"Did he leave his day's earnings with you?"
"No," answered Mrs. Brandon, with a troubled look. "He has the best right to that himself."
"Has he, hey? We'll see about that. I, as his stepfather and legal guardian, shall have something to say to that."
Mrs. Brandon was not called upon to reply, for the door opened just then, and the young boatman stood in the presence of his worthy stepfather.