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?