"What I mean to say is--" "I don't care what you say," said Telson.

"What I say is, we did _not_ do it!" "All very well," replied Parson, "but I'm certain you did." "How are you certain, I'd like to know ?" "Because, I tell you," said Parson, slowly and incisively, "it couldn't have been done by any one else." "How do you know it couldn't ?" asked Telson warmly.
"There you are! If you didn't do it you'd be able to prove it, but you can't, you see." And so this edifying argument went on, or rather round, very much after the style of a dog trying to catch his tail, and at its close Parson and Telson stood as far from solving the mystery as ever.
This slight difference of opinion, however, could hardly fail to result in a little mutual irritation, and for the first time in their friendship the two boys felt as if they did not love one another exactly like brethren.

It was therefore no small relief when further argument was abruptly cut short by the entrance of King, looking particularly cheerful and important.
"Hullo, you two!" exclaimed he.

"Guessed I'd find you here.

Such a lark!" "What is it ?" asked the two friends, delighted with any diversion.
"Why," exclaimed the delighted King, "you know Bosher ?" "What about him?
What's he done ?" "Guess." "It's not he that cut the rudder-line, is it ?" asked Telson.
"No, of course not.