rain still beat upon
the boat, and they were both very tired, having been on their feet for
several hours, so they entered the inviting little parlor without
further hesitation.

It was cosy and snug within but rather stuffy, the small windows being
closed; but the girls seated side by side on the big chair beside the
table found the situation very enjoyable.

"I feel like a traveler, as if we were taking a sail to some outlandish
place," said Laura, getting up to adjust her hat before a small mirror
set in the wall, beneath which was a stationary wash-stand with holes
for bowl and pitcher.

"Let's pretend we're on one of those funny Chinese boats like Uncle
Fred told me about; they have large, painted eyes without which no
Chinaman would set sail. They say; 'No got eye, no can see--no can
see, no can walkee!'"

Alene placed her bundles on the center table and leaned back cosily in
the cushioned chair. She was in the midst of a reverie where a
queer-looking Chinese mandarin was trying to persuade her to buy a blue
glass pitcher, when Laura's voice brought her back to reality.

"Alene, Alene, it's moving--the boat!"

"But it's tied to that big iron ring--it can't move from the wharf!"

There was a creaking and straining of the woodwork around them which
they had not noticed before. Laura ran to a window, followed by Alene.
The hills appeared to be gliding by! Sure enough, the boat was moving;
it had left the shore while they were talking.

For a moment they had a strange sensation.

"It's like being abducted," said Alene.

"Oh, dear, I wonder how far they will go!"

They ran through the paneled door to the front of the boat. The clerk
was busy arranging his stock.

"Why, I thought everybody was gone!" he cried in surprise.

"We went into the cabin to rest awhile; we never dreamed you were going
away. Where will the boat go?"

The young man laughed.

"Oh, don't get scared! We are only bound across the river a few miles
above, to catch the train! Wait, maybe I can get Jones to return and
land you first."

He came back in a few minutes.

"He says he can't do it; the captain is coming on the train and if we
fail to meet him 'on the dot' it's as much as his job is worth. But it
won't take very long and then we'll put back and land you at home."

The girls were forced to be content. They returned to the cabin and
discussed the situation.

"I wish Ivy could have come along, she would enjoy thi