But it is a fact that he used to disappear out of the river in a very mysterious manner sometimes.

A man may land anywhere and bolt inland--but what about his five-ton cutter?
You can't carry that in your hand like a suit-case.
"Then as suddenly he would reappear in the river, after one had given him up.

I did not like to be beaten.

That's why I hired Dingle's decked boat.

There was just the accommodation in her to sleep a man and a dog.
But I had no dog-friend to invite.