This last assertion I knew to be a falsehood. I had on my good clothes out of respect to my father’s memory, and he evidently took me for one of the summer boarders. “I should like to see your boat,” I ventured. “What for?” “Just to see how a boat is painted. I may want to do such a job myself some day.” “Well, I’m sorry, but you can’t see her,” replied Carney decidedly. “Why not?” “Because I don’t want anybody fooling around. I’ve been mighty particular over the work, and I don’t want it spoilt.” “I won’t touch a thing.” “Oh, I know all about that! I ain’t going to have no finger-marks all over the gun’ale and the gold lines.” I turned and looked at the mast, which was all I could now see of the hidden craft. If my memory served me rightly it was the exact counterpart of the one belonging to the Catch Me. The man was plainly lying, and had my property in his possession. “Well, I’m coming ashore, anyway,” I returned; and I jumped from the sloop to the rocks. “What do you mean by disobeying my orders?” cried Carney, rushing over to where I had landed. “Disobeying your orders?” I repeated. “Yes. You know well enough I don’t want you to land here.” “If I want to land I don’t see how you are going to stop me,” I replied as coolly as I could, although I was anxious as to the outcome of the situation. “You don’t, eh? Didn’t I tell you I owned this island?” “I don’t believe it. The property has always been in the families of several Bend Center folks.” “What do you know about Bend Center?” “I know all about it.” “You don’t mean to say you live there?” and there was actual wonder in the man’s tone. “I live near the place. I run the mill over at Torrent Bend River.” Carney stepped back. “Are you Reuben Stone?” he cried. “That’s my name.” In spite of his bronzed face I saw the fellow turn pale. What impression had the discovery of my identity made upon him? “I thought you said you owned the boat you are looking for?” he said at length. “So I do.” “The Catch Me belonged to Bayport.” “I thought you didn’t know anything about her?” I returned sharply. “Well, I――I thought I didn’t,” he stammered; “but what you said put me in mind of her.” “She was given to me for rescuing the two men and the woman and the boy who were sailing in her.” “Given to you?” “Yes.” “Humph!” Carney tossed his head. “Well, she ain’t here, and you had better look elsewhere for her.” “I’m going to take a walk around the island.” I had hardly uttered the words before the man caught me by the shoulder. “You are going to do nothing of the sort!” he cried. “I want you to clear out at once.” “Suppose I don’t choose to do so?” “I’ll make you.” I looked at the fellow. He was pretty big, and he looked strong; still I stood my ground. “How are you going to make me go?” I asked. “Do you see this gun? Well, if you don’t hustle off you may feel it.”