before we came back from the bank."

"I guess you're right," assented John, as once more he glanced
apprehensively at the man who was the subject of their
conversation.

"I don't know of but one way to get even with him," suggested
Fred.

"What's that?"

"Why, to set Soc on him and make him answer questions about
canals. I'm telling you that if Grant should ask him about how
wide the Suez Canal is or how deep the Sault Ste. Marie is he'd
get an answer that would surprise him."

"I haven't any doubt about that," said John somewhat ruefully.
"The man is a surprise anyway."

John spoke more truly than he knew. The surprise that was
occasioned by the presence of their unbidden guest was mild
compared with that which soon followed.


CHAPTER XV

AN UPSET

The Black Growler, carried forward by the current of the mighty
river as well as by her own power, brought the party on board to