"Yes, it is matter, Miss Fanny. I want to know. There wasn't any fire in the building when I left it."
"Perhaps somebody stopped there in a boat, and set it on fire."
"Perhaps they did; but I know very well they didn't," answered Noddy, positively. "There hasn't been any boat near the pier since we left it."
"Perhaps Ben left his pipe among those shavings."
"Ben never did that. He would cut his head off sooner than do such a thing. He is as scared of fire as he is of the Flying Dutchman."
"Don't say anything more about it. Now row over to Whitestone as quick as you can," added Fanny, petulantly.
"I'm not going over to Whitestone, after what has happened. I shouldn't have a bit of fun if I went."
"Very well, Noddy; then you may get out of the scrape as you can," said the young lady, angrily.
"Why, they will accuse you of setting the boat-house afire; and you told Ben you wished it was burned down."