"One can have too much of that sort of tumbling," Peckover remarked sententiously. "And——"
"Well, I'd like a little of it," snapped Gage, "and I'm going to have it."
"That's reasonable," Peckover agreed. "What do you propose?"
"Well," answered Gage, "I've thought it out, and it's simple enough. I've got to find an excuse for spending my money, or, rather for having money to spend. I've a plan. I'm going to save your life."
"What?" Peckover jumped a foot away and turned a suspicious and alarmed face on his companion. "What—what do you mean?"
"Just what I say," the other replied quietly. "I've got to save your life——"
"What from?" Peckover inquired apprehensively.
"Drowning, for choice," was the cool answer. "Then in common gratitude you will make over to me a sum sufficient to give me a handsome income. See?"
Peckover looked immeasurably relieved. "I see that much," he replied. "But how are you going to save me from drowning?"
"Well, that presents no difficulty. We are going fishing on the lake, and you are going to over-balance yourself in your excitement and slip overboard."