"Blessed if I know. I didn't take the trouble to ask."
"How did you happen to fall in with him?"
"He owned a pretty yacht, and was just going aboard of her, when he noticed me on the pier.
"'You seem to be looking for some one?' he said.
"'I was hoping to find an old man who hangs around this pier a good deal,' I replied, 'and who owns a small craft in which he takes parties to different points on the river.'
"'There's no such man about here just now,' said the gentleman.
"'So I see,' I returned, and I fancy I sighed.
"'You are sick and weak,' he exclaimed quickly.
"'Weak I surely am,' I said; 'but I'd be all right, I'm sure, if I could only get up the river a piece.'
"'Well, I'm going up the river. Come on board my yacht and welcome.'