"Not quite," said the man. "Now then, will you tell me where it is?"
"I don't think we shall," spoke up Fred. "If you'll tell me who owns it and what it was doing on our motor-boat, then perhaps I'll be willing to talk with you."
"Then you say you'll not tell me where it is?" said the man, speaking slowly and looking savagely at Fred as he spoke.
"I shan't tell you," said Fred. "Now, if you're done, we'll start."
As he spoke, Fred stepped on board the Black Growler, an action which was speedily followed by his companions. Advancing to the wheel Fred inspected everything to satisfy himself that all things were in readiness for their departure and then said to the man waiting on the dock, "We'll have to bid you good-by."
At the same time he turned on the power. As George and John pushed the little boat out from the dock it began to move, but not before the canal-man unbidden suddenly leaped on board.
"Thank you for your very kind invitation," he said as he seated himself on the cushions.
"We didn't ask you to come," spoke up Fred, "and we don't want your company. You'll have to go ashore."
"Is that so?" laughed the man banteringly.
"Yes, sir, it's so!" retorted Fred.