He had been on a protracted spree and proved annoying.
"I know the river well," he said, "and will pilot you down." "I assure you there is no necessity for a pilot," Paul answered, "I have journeyed so far without one and can go the rest of the way." He could not get rid of the fellow that easily, so he concluded to try some other plan.

After they had proceeded a short distance Boyton asked the persistent boatman to have a drink, at the same time handing him a bottle of very strong wine that had been given him to use in case he needed a stimulant.

The fellow, already half intoxicated, absorbed most of the contents and was soon maudlin.

He ran his boat around and across Boyton to the latter's great annoyance.

He became drowsy, however, and finally fell into a deep sleep.