There was a broad and safe platform to stand upon, whence the little fishermen might cast their lines into deep water and draw up fish in abundance.

Indeed, it almost seemed as if Ben and his comrades might be forgiven for taking the stones, because they had done their job in such a workmanlike manner.
"The chaps that built this wharf understood their business pretty well," said one of the masons.

"I should not be ashamed of such a piece of work myself." But the master mason did not seem to enjoy the joke.

He was one of those unreasonable people who care a great deal more for their own rights and privileges than for the convenience of all the rest of the world.
"Sam," said he, more gruffly than usual, "go call a constable." So Sam called a constable, and inquiries were set on foot to discover the perpetrators of the theft.

In the course of the day warrants were issued, with the signature of a justice of the peace, to take the bodies of Benjamin Franklin and other evil-disposed persons who had stolen a heap of stones.