hich proved
quite satisfactory to the young couple, and a source of amusement
to the rest of the passengers.

Jonathan next submitted himself to the professor's skill, and was
highly delighted in being told that he was fitted to shine in public life,
and might hereafter become a member of Congress.

"I guess the folks at home will think more of me when they hear that,"
he remarked to Sally. "The professor has given us good characters."

"So he has. Do you think it's all true, Jonathan?"

"Of course it is. It's a wonderful science, Sally. I didn't know I had
so many bumps."

"Nor I. I can't feel 'em myself."

"That's because you're not used to it. It takes the professor to do it."

Other subjects were forthcoming, and the professor cleared three
dollars during the evening. He understood human nature well
enough to flatter all, without absolutely contradicting the science of
which he claimed to be the exponent.

Chapter XV

An Old Convert to Phrenology

About eleven o'clock the steamer stopped. A dense fog had sprung
up, which made it perilous to proceed. Ben, who was a novice in
traveling, got up to see what was the matter. He was on his way
back to the stateroom, when he encountered a strange figure. The
old lady was wandering about in dishabille, looking thoroughly
alarmed.

Recognizing Ben, she clutched his arm.

"What has happened?" she asked, in a hollow voice, "Is the ship
sinkin'?"

"No, ma'am," answered Ben. "We have only stopped on account of
the fog."

"Something may run into us," exclaimed the old lady. "Oh, dear!
I wish I had never left home."

"You'd better go back to bed," said Ben soothingly. "There's no
danger."

"No, I won't," said the old woman resolutely. "I'm not going to be
drowned in my bed. I'll stay here till mornin'."

And she plumped down into an armchair, where she looked like
an image of despair.

"Hadn't you better put on something more?" suggested Ben.
"You may get cold."

"I'll put on my shawl and bunnit," said the old lady. "I can't sleep
a wink. We shall be shipwrecked; I know we shall."

Whether the old lady kept her word, or not, Ben did not know.
When he entered the saloon the next morning she was already up
and dressed, looking haggard from want of sleep. Ben ascertained
that the boat had started again about five o'clock, and would
probably reach Fall River five or six hours late. This would make it
necessary to take breakfast