“The best rower round here among the boys is Bob Coverdale,” said the fisherman.
“What can he do?” asked George with a sneer.
“He can row ten miles without feeling it,” said Bence.
“Does he say so?” asked George in a meaning tone.
“No, but I have seen him do it. He’s been out with me more than once. He’s a muscular boy, Bob is. Do you know him?”
“I have seen him,” answered George distantly.
“He’s a great chum of your cousin, Herbert Irving,” said Bence, “and so I thought you might have met him.”
This subject was not to George’s taste, and he proceeded to change it.
“Well, my good man,” he said patronizingly, “how much do I owe you?”
“So I am your good man?” repeated Ben Bence with an amused smile. “I am much obliged to you, I am sure. Well, you were gone about two hours, I reckon.”