e several days in overtaking them, but I shall be only too
happy to have you remain with us for that length of time, and longer,
too, if you will. I am greatly in need of an assistant to help me run
the show. So if you are willing to take hold and work with us, the
obligation will be wholly on my side."

"Of course I will, sir!" exclaimed Winn, whose spirits were rising as
the difficulties of his situation began to disappear. "I will do
anything I can, only I didn't know this was a show-boat, and I'm afraid
I am pretty ignorant about shows anyway."

"That will be all right," replied the Captain. "My own experience in
the dramatic line has been so extensive that I shall have no difficulty
in posting you. I am surprised, though, that you did not recognize
this boat as having been built by one of the profession, and especially
adapted to its requirements. There are certain features about the
_Whatnot_--which, by the way, I consider a most original and attractive
name--that are intended to indicate--"

"Suppah, sah! An' Missy Sabel awaitin'," interrupted Solon, thrusting
his woolly head into the doorway at that moment.

Glad as Winn was of this diversion, and though he was as thankful as
only a famished boy can be that a bountiful meal awaited him, he would
willingly have gone hungry a little longer rather than enter that
dining-room just then. Although the engine-room did not afford a
mirror, he was conscious that he must present about as absurd a figure
as can well be conceived. He was bare-footed, and the left leg of his
trousers was turned up to keep it from the floor, while the right,
owing to the Captain's misfortune, barely reached his ankle. A
checkered woolen shirt hung about him in folds, and over it he wore a
garment that Cap'n Cod was pleased to style his "professional coat."
It was a blue swallow-tail, with bright brass buttons. As worn by Winn
the tails hung nearly to the floor, the cuffs were turned back over his
wrists, and the collar rubbed against his ears.

"A pretty costume in which to appear before a strange girl," thought
poor Winn, who was noted at home for being fastidious concerning his
dress and personal appearance. "I know I must look like a guy, and she
can't help laughing, of course; but if she does, I'll never speak to
her as long as I live, and I'll leave this craft the very first chance
I get."

While these thoughts were crowding fast upon one another, the boy was
being dra