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.