"I see how it is. You have been dealing with these fellows as though
they were honest men." He then explained that there is no security
against imposition for travellers who pay their passage in advance, in
case the boat gets aground, or the captain pleases to detain them an
unreasonable time; that the "old stagers" never show their money till
the trip is up; and much more useful information for the voyager on the
Western rivers.

"And I have no berth yet! The fellow promised me one when we got off,"
said Uncle Nathan, chopfallen; for, if any one is keenly sensitive to an
imposition, the Yankee is the man.

"There you are lame again," replied Henry. "You may get one, and you may
not. As you have paid your fare, you had better keep quiet, and
to-morrow I will assist you in securing your rights."

"Thank ye," replied Uncle Nathan, truly grateful for the kind sympathy
of the officer. "I had no sort of idee that they played _such_ tricks
upon travellers."

"Fact, sir; this New Orleans is said to be a very naughty place,"
returned Henry, amused at the simplicity of his companion.

"True as gospel!" ejaculated Uncle Nathan, fervently.

"Have you been here long?"

"Only about ten days; but I have seen more iniquity in that time than I
supposed the whole airth contained."

Henry smiled at the fervid utterance of his companion.

"You are from the North, I perceive," said he.

"Yes, sir, I am from Brookville, State of Massachusetts, which, thank
the Lord, is a long way from New Orleans!"

"Still, there are some excellent people here," suggested Henry, who had
known and appreciated Southern kindness and hospitality.

"Well--yes--I suppose there is; but their morals and religion are
shockin'. It made my blood run cold, and my hair stand on eend, to see a
company of soldiers marchin' through the streets last Sabba' day, to the
tune of 'Hail Columby;' and then to think of balls and theatres on the
Lord's day night, really it's terrible. I wouldn't live in sich a place
for all the world!"

"Very different from New England, certainly," replied Henry,
good-naturedly, for it must be confessed he was not so much shocked at
these desecrations.

Uncle Nathan discoursed long and eloquently on Sabbath-breaking,
gambling and intemperance, which prevail to such an extent in the
luxurious metropolis of the South,--as long, at least, as the patience
of his new-found military friend would permit. At his suggestion they
retired t