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 to steal your fish . I used to sell them over at the hotels . We saw the notice today , Mother and me , and I came right up .
I 've brought you the trout I caught this morning , and -- if only you wo n't prosecute me , sir , I 'll pay back every cent I got XXXXX the others -- every cent , sir -- if you 'll give me time . ''
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