"So you're the feller that's took my job from me, eh?" snarled the
newcomer.

Our hero looked up and recognized Sam Cullum, the boatman who had been
discharged for drinking. Even now the boatman was more than half under
the influence of intoxicants.

"I haven't taken anybody's job from him," answered Joe.

"I say yer did!" growled Cullum. "It ain't fair, nuther!"

To this our hero did not reply, but went on cleaning out his boat.

"Fer two pins I'd lick yer!" went on the tipsy boatman, lurching
forward.

"See here, Sam Cullum, I want you to keep your distance," said Joe,
sharply. "Mr. Mallison discharged you for drinking. I had nothing to do
with it."

"I don't drink; leastwise, I don't drink no more'n I need."

"Yes, you do. It would be the best thing in the world for you if you'd
leave liquor alone entirely."

"Humph! don't you preach to me, you little imp!"

"Then leave me alone."

"You stole the job from me an' I'm going to lick you for it."