"Do you think you can spare me to go on shore for a couple of hours?"
"Yes, you may go."
Jed went to the side and said to the boatman, "You may take this man on shore, and come back in an hour and a half for my friend and myself.
"Now, Percy, allow me to offer you a little refreshment."
Jed went to the pantry and brought out some cold meat, bread and butter, and two bottles of ginger ale, with the necessary dishes.
"I can't offer you anything very tempting," he said, "but the boat ride may have given you an appetite for plain fare."
Percy could hardly conceal his surprise. He stared at Jed as if fascinated.
"Won't you get into trouble by making so free with your master's things?"
"Who told you I had a master?"