What's the connection between a boat and livery stables in "Stolen Ingots"? In "Stolen Ingots" in _Dr. Thorndyke's Case-Book_ by R. Austin Freeman, Mr. Badger was standing on a bridge watching a boat running with a stolen case. > Badger cursed volubly, and, turning to the fishermen, exclaimed in a rather offensively peremptory tone: > > “I want a boat. Now. This instant.” > > The elder piscator regarded him doggedly and replied: “All right. I ain’t got no objection.” > > “ **Where can I get a boat**?” the inspector demanded, nearly purple with excitement and anxiety. > > “Where do you think?” the mariner responded, evidently nettled by the inspector’s masterful tone. “Pastrycook’s? Or **livery stables**?” > > “Look here,” said Badger. “I’m a police officer and I want to board that barge, and I am prepared to pay handsomely. Now where can I get a boat?” I can't get the connection between a boat and livery stables?! **Or did he just mock him?**

There is no more connection between a livery stable and a boat than there is a Pastrycook’s and a boat.

The mariner is mocking the Inspector sarcastically, by suggesting businesses that have nothing to do with boats, because he thinks the Inspector’s question is ridiculous.