proceeded to thumb over several bills.

Captain Josh examined the paper carefully, and then handed it to Rod
without a word of comment. The latter gave one quick glance, and his
face became pale, while his eyes grew big with astonishment.

"What is it, lad?" the captain queried. "Find somethin' queer there,
eh?"

"Yes, sir," was the reply; "I don't understand it at all. I sent down
one hundred boxes, and this paper gives only eighty. And, oh, look, he
pays only six cents a box," and Rod held up the account for the captain
to see.

"What's the meaning of this?" and Captain Josh turned suddenly upon
McDuff, who was keenly watching the two. "This boy sent you down one
hundred boxes of strawberries. I was at the wharf myself when each
crate was shipped, and I counted them, though Rod didn't know it. Then
you give him here only six cents a box when they were bringing from
seven to nine. Surely there has been some mistake."

"There has been no mistake," McDuff angrily returned. "I never make
mistakes. Only eighty boxes were sent to me, and six cents is all they
were worth. You can take that or nothing. I am too busy to waste all
the morning talking. Here's your money," and he held out four dollars
and eighty cents to Rod.

"Don't take it, lad," and the captain reached out a restraining hand.
"The full amount or nothin'. Is that all ye'll give?" he asked,
turning to McDuff.