ed of a fisherman living near by, who
had an extra boat.

The owner of the boat was on hand when George landed. He was, though a
fisherman, a man of good, sound common sense, who read a good deal in
his leisure moments and was therefore well informed. Like many other New
England men of low position, he was superior to his humble station and
was capable of acquitting himself creditably in a much higher sphere. It
is from persons of his class that our prominent men are often
recruited.

It may be mentioned here that, though George's father, as he liked to
boast, was a rich man, the boy himself was very mean in money matters
and seldom willing to pay a fair price for anything. He was not above
driving a close bargain, and to save five cents would dispute for half
an hour.

"So you've got back young man?" said Ben Bence, the fisherman. "Did you
have a pleasant trip?"

"Quite fair," answered George in a patronizing tone. "I rowed over to
Egg Island and back."

"That's doing very well for a city boy," said the fisherman.

"I should think it was good for any boy or man either," said George,
annoyed at this depreciation of his great achievement.

Bence laughed.

"Why," said he, "I'm out for four or five hours sometimes. I don't think
anything of rowing from fifteen to twenty miles, while you have rowed
only six."

"I don't expect to row as far as a man," said George, rather taken
down.

"The best rower round here among the boys is Bob Coverdaie," said the
fisherman.

"What can he do?" asked George with a sneer.

"He can row ten miles without feeling it," said Bence.

"Does he say so?" asked George in a meaning tone.

"No, but I have seen him do it. He's been out with me more than once.
He's a muscular boy, Bob is. Do you know him?"

"I have seen him," answered George distantly.

"He's a great chum of your cousin, Herbert Irving," said Bence, "and so
I thought you might have met him."

This subject was not to George's taste, and he proceeded to change it.

"Well, my good man," he said patronizingly, "how much do I owe you?"

"So I am your good man?" repeated Ben Bence with an amused smile. "I am
much obliged to you, I am sure. Well, you were gone about two hours, I
reckon."

"I don't think it was quite as much as that," said George.

"I guess twenty-five cents will about pay me."

"Twenty-five cents!" repeated George, all his meanness asserting itself.
"I think that is a very high price!"

"Did yo