re your plans, my young friend? I suppose you are only a visitor
in this city."

"I am on my way to California. I expect to sail in the _River Belle_ at
nine o'clock."

"Then we shall be fellow passengers, and I shall have a chance to become
better acquainted with you. You are young to go to California alone. You
are alone--are you not?"

"Yes, sir."

They went down to the boat together, and on the way Tom told his story.
He learned that his acquaintance was Mr. Nicholas Waterbury; that he
had been a member of the Ohio Legislature, and, as he inferred, was a
prominent citizen of the town in which he lived.

"I should be very much ashamed to have them hear at home how I had
forgotten myself," said Mr. Waterbury.

"It need not be known," said Tom. "I shall not mention it to any one."

"Thank you," said Mr. Waterbury. "I would rather you did not, as the
news might reach my home."

"Where do you live, sir?"

"In Marietta. I shall be glad to have you leave the boat there, and stay
a day or two with me."

"Thank you, sir, but I am in a hurry to reach California, on my father's
account. I want to send back as soon as possible the money he raised to
pay my expenses out."

"That is very commendable; I can enter into your feelings. I should like
to show my obligation to you in some way."

"It is not worth thinking about, sir," said Tom modestly.

"Permit me to disagree with you. Why, my young friend, how much money do
you think I had with me?"

"I don't know, sir."

"Upward of six hundred dollars."

As Mr. Waterbury uttered these words, a young man, very dark, with
narrow black whiskers, passed them. He darted a quick glance at the
speaker, and walked rapidly on. Tom noticed him, but not with attention.

"That is a good deal of money, sir," he remarked.

"It would have been a good deal to lose," said Mr. Waterbury, "and I
have no doubt I should have lost it if it had not been for you."

"I haven't so much money as you, but I came near losing it last night."

"How was that?" asked Tom's new acquaintance, with curiosity.

Tom explained the attempt of his roommate to rob him.

"It would have been a serious loss to you, my young friend."

"It would have broken up all my plans, and I should have had to work my
way home, greatly disappointed."

"You will need to be careful about forming acquaintances. There are
exceptions, however. I am a new acquaintance; but I don't think you need
fear me."

"No, sir,