“If the boat belonged to anyone but James Leech I would go; but I don't like him well enough to take any liberty with anything of his.”
“Perhaps you are right. Would you mind sitting down and waiting for me twenty minutes or half an hour?”
“Oh, no; it will be pleasant.”
“Then here goes.”
Cameron jumped into the boat, pushed off and began to row in a style that showed he was accustomed to the exercise. The pond was so small that it was not easy for him to get out of sight.
Herbert sat down, not without a secret longing to be in the boat also; but he did not care to place himself under any obligations to James.
Suddenly he heard a hasty step behind him. Looking up, he saw the owner of the boat close at hand.
James Leech looked for his boat and saw that it was gone. Then his gaze fell upon our hero.
“What have you done with my boat, Carter?” he demanded, peremptorily.
“What makes you ask such a question, Leech?” answered Herbert.