ces of steamers that
navigate the waters of Long Island Sound--visiting on their way those
New England States where, it may be recollected, the Pilgrim Fathers
landed after their voyage in the _Mayflower_, of historic renown, a
couple of odd centuries ago.

One of these vessels had "Providence" marked on her; and the name at
once arrested the attention of Fritz.

"Himmel!" he said to himself, with a superstitious sort of feeling like
that which he used to ridicule in old Lorischen when she read omens in
Mouser's attitudes and cat language of a night--"this looks lucky;
perhaps providence is going to interpose on my behalf, and relieve me
from all the misery and anxiety I'm suffering! At all events, I will go
on board and see where the steamer is bound for."

No sooner said than done.

Fritz stepped on to the gangway; and, quickly gaining the vessel, asked
one of the deck hands he saw forward where she was going to.

"Ha-o-ow?" repeated the man--meaning "what?"

"Where are you bound for?" said Fritz again.

"Providence, Rhode Island, I guess, mister. Can't ye see it writ up?"

"And where's that?" further inquired Fritz.

"New England way, I reckon, whar I wer raised."

"Any ships or shipping trade there?"

The man laughed out heartily.

"Jerusalem, that's prime, anyhow!" he exclaimed. "Any ships at
Providence? Why, you might as well ask if thar wer any fish in the sea!
Thar are heaps and heaps on 'em up to Rhode Island, mister, from a
scoop up to a whaler; so I guess we can fix you up slick if you come
aboard!"

"All right, I will," said Fritz; "that is, if the fare is not too high."

"Guess two-fifty won't break you, hey?" responded the deck hand, meaning
two-and-a-half dollars.

"No," said Fritz; "I think I can manage that. What time do you start?"

"Five o'clock sharp."

"That will just give me time to fetch my valise," said Fritz, thinking
aloud.

"Where away is that?" asked the man.

"Chatham Street," answered Fritz, "just below the town hall."

"Oh, I know, mister, well enough whar Chatham Street is! Yes, you'll
have plenty of time if you look smart."

"Thank you, I will," said Fritz; and, going back to the boarding-house
where he had been stopping, he soon returned to the quay with the little
valise that carried all his impedimenta--reaching the steamer just in
the nick of time as she was casting off.

As he jumped on to her deck, the gangway was withdrawn.

"All aboard?" sang o