ty thousand dollars, and am just
fifty years of age."

"That seems to me very rich," said Tom.

"I should have said the same thing at your age. Our views change as we
get older. Still, I regard myself as very well off, and, with prudent
management, I need not fear reverses."

"I should think not," said Tom.

"You don't know how easy it is to lose money, my boy. I am not
referring to robbery, but to mismanagement."

"Your success encourages me, Mr. Waterbury," said Tom. "I am willing to
work hard."

"I think you will succeed. You look like a boy of good habits. Energy,
industry, and good habits can accomplish wonders. But I think we are on
the point of starting."

Just before the gangplank was drawn in, two persons hastily crossed it.

One was the dark young man who had passed them on the way down to the
boat; the other was Milton Graham.

"Mr. Waterbury," said Tom hurriedly, "do you see that man?"

"Yes."

"He is the man that tried to rob me."

"We must be on our guard, then. He may be up to more mischief."

CHAPTER X.

ON THE STEAMER.

In half an hour the _River Belle_ was on her way. Tom watched the city
as it receded from view. He enjoyed this new mode of travel better than
riding on the cars. He had never before been on any boat except a
ferry-boat, and congratulated himself on his decision to journey by boat
part of the way.

Milton Graham had passed him two or three times, but Tom, though seeing
him, had not volunteered recognition. Finding that he must make the
first advances, Graham finally stopped short, looked full at our hero,
and his face wore a very natural expression of surprise and pleasure.

"Why, Tom, is that you?" he said, offering his hand, which Tom did not
appear to see.

"Yes," said our hero coldly.

"I didn't expect to see you here."

"I told you I intended to sail on the _River Belle_."

"So you did; but I thought you had changed your mind."

It made very little difference to Tom what Mr. Graham thought, and he
turned from him to watch the scenery past which the boat was gliding.

"I suppose," continued the young man, "you were surprised to find me
gone when you came down-stairs to breakfast."

"Yes, I was."

"He resents it because I left him," thought Graham. "I guess I can bring
him around."

"The fact was," explained Graham, in a plausible manner, "I went out to
call on a friend, meaning to come back to breakfast; but he made me
breakfast with him, a