Property not to be secreted or grounded -- Liability

If any person who takes up any drift, log or timber secretes it or allows it to be so grounded that he cannot immediately, upon the demand of the owner or his agent, put it afloat, or if he fails to put it afloat upon such demand, he shall not receive any compensation for taking up or caring for the drift, log or timber, and shall, in addition, be responsible to the owner thereof as if it were afloat.