Mr. Walters was writing at a table covered with a businesslike litter of papers . He laid down his pen and looked up with a frown as the clerk vanished . He was a stern-looking man with deep-set grey eyes and a square , clean-shaven chin . There was not an ounce of superfluous flesh on his frame , and his voice and manner were those of the decided , resolute , masterful man of business . He pointed to a capacious leather chair and said concisely , `` What is your business with me , boy ? '' Dan had carefully thought out a statement of facts beforehand , but every word had vanished from his memory . He had only a confused , desperate consciousness that he had a theft to confess and that it must be done as soon as possible . He did not sit down . `` Please , Mr. Walters , '' he began desperately , `` I came to tell you -- your notice -- I never saw it before -- and I 've been fishing on your pond all summer -- but I did n't know -- honest -- I 've brought you all I caught today -- and I 'll pay back for them all -- some time . '' An amused , puzzled expression crossed Mr. Walters 's noncommittal face . He pushed the leather chair forward . `` Sit down , my boy , '' he said kindly . `` I do n't quite understand this somewhat mixed-up statement of yours . You 've been fishing on my pond , you say . Did n't you see my notice in the Advertiser ? '' Dan sat down more composedly . The revelation was over and he was still alive . `` No , sir . We hardly ever see an Advertiser , and nobody told me . I 'd always been used to fishing there , and I never thought but what it was all right to keep on .
I know I ought to have remembered and asked you , but truly , sir , I did n't mean XXXXX steal your fish .
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