'I don't know about that. Who is your other pilot?'
'I've got I. S - - . Why?'
'I can't go with him. He don't belong to the association.'
'What!'
'It's so.'
'Do you mean to tell me that you won't turn a wheel with one of the very
best and oldest pilots on the river because he don't belong to your
association?'
'Yes, I do.'
'Well, if this isn't putting on airs! I supposed I was doing you a
benevolence; but I begin to think that I am the party that wants a favor
done. Are you acting under a law of the concern?'
'Yes.'
'Show it to me.'
So they stepped into the association rooms, and the secretary soon
satisfied the captain, who said -
'Well, what am I to do? I have hired Mr. S - - for the entire season.'
'I will provide for you,' said the secretary. 'I will detail a pilot to
go with you, and he shall be on board at twelve o'clock.'
'But if I discharge S - - , he will come on me for the whole season's
wages.'
'Of course that is a matter between you and Mr. S - - , captain. We
cannot meddle in your private affairs.'
The captain stormed, but to no purpose. In the end he had to discharge
S - - , pay him about a thousand dollars, and take an association pilot
in his place.
