midday
For baptism , he said ; or making ready to go home after baptism , he added ; and letting his boat drift , sat discoursing on the cold of the water , which he said was colder than he ever knew it before at this season of the year : remarks ' that Joseph considered well enough in themselves , but out of his humour . So ye be craving for baptism , the ferryman said , and looked as if he did not care a wild fig whether Joseph got it that morning or missed it . But there was no use arguing with the ferryman , who after a long stare fell to his oars , but so leisurely that Joseph seized one of them and -- putting his full strength upon it -- turned the boat 's head up-stream . There be no landing up-stream anywhere , so loose my oars or I 'll leave them to thee , the ferryman growled , and we shall be twirling about stream till midday and after . But I can row , Joseph said . Then row ! and the ferryman put the other oar into his hand .