Madge looked up and down shore but there was no other boat to be had. She realized full well that she was being outrageously over-charged, but she was eager to reach the Burnett yacht without delay.
“I’ll rent your boat,” she decided. “It won’t take more than half an hour to get where I’m going.”
“Three dolla’ minimum charge,” the boatman announced impressively.
“Are you trying to discourage me?” Madge demanded suspiciously. “I don’t believe you’re very anxious to rent your boat.” Without giving him an opportunity to reply, she took a small roll of bills from her pocketbook and handed him three. “Here’s your pay in advance.”
He accepted the money with obvious unwillingness and lifted her suitcase into the boat. She seated herself and he cast off the painter.
“Take me to The Flora,” she directed. “See, it’s that yacht this side of the buoy.”
Madge was unprepared for the effect her words produced upon the man. He turned quickly, his eyes smoldering. An expression she could not fathom, flashed over his face.
“I not take you there!” he uttered vehemently, thrusting the three bills rudely toward her. “Here, take your money! You mus’ get another boat!”
CHAPTER II
An Unwilling Boatman
Madge was taken aback at the boatman’s unexpected announcement but she had no intention of being diverted from her original plan. His very reluctance only whetted her determination to hold him to his bargain.