"A party of ladies want a long row around the lake. You can have the
job."

"All right, Ike."

"I charged them a dollar and a quarter. I'll keep the quarter for my
commission."

"That is fair."

"One of the ladies said she wanted somebody that looked pretty decent. I
think you'll fill the bill with that new suit."

"I didn't expect to wear the suit out on the lake, but in this case I'll
keep it on," answered Joe.

"I find it pays to keep well dressed, when you take out the summer
boarders," answered the old boatman. "And it pays to keep the boats in
good shape, too."

"Where am I to get the party?"

"Over to the dock of Mallison's Hotel. One of the ladies is Mallison's
niece."

"Why don't they take a hotel boat?"

"All engaged, two days ago. It's a busy season. But I've got to be
going. You had better go over to the dock at once. They want to go out