think he could earn his own living; his
name is Frank."

"What's his last name?" asked Sam, bluntly.

"Stockton--I am Julia Stockton."

"My name is Sam Barker," said Sam, thinking such confidence ought to
be requited.

"I've got a cousin Sam," Julia remarked, "but I never knew any one of
the name of Barker before."

"Is that your bird?" inquired Sam, by way of prolonging the
conversation.

"Yes; he sings sweetly, sometimes, but I guess he's frightened now.
I'm glad he's with me, it isn't quite so lonely. I never traveled
alone before. Are you used to traveling alone, Mr. Barker?"

"I never traveled much," answered Sam, trying to look dignified, on
first being addressed as Mr. Barker; "but I don't mind being alone."

"That's because you're a boy. Boys can take care of themselves better
than girls. Do you know what time we get to Boston?"

"No, I don't; but I'll inquire," said Sam. "Shall I find you here?"

"Oh, yes, I'll be here."

Sam went down below, and noticed that some were already procuring
tickets at the captain's office. It struck him that he might as well
obtain his. Accordingly he joined the line, and when his turn came
inquired for a ticket.

"Fall River or Boston?" asked the man in charge.

"Boston."

"Five dollars."

"That's pretty steep," thought Sam. "I shall have only twenty dollars
left."

A ticket was handed him, with 159 on it.

"What's that for?" asked Sam.

"It's the number of your berth."

"When will we get to Boston?"

"Between six and seven in the morning."

As Sam turned away he was accosted by a newsboy: "Papers, sir?"

An idea struck Sam. He would get a picture paper for his new
acquaintance. It was probably the first mark of attention he had ever
paid to a girl, but the idea pleased him, and he bought a _Harper's
Weekly_, and carried it upstairs.

He found Miss Julia Stockton sitting where he had left her. She smiled
pleasantly when she saw Sam.

"I bought you a picture paper," he said, feeling a little awkward. "I
thought you might like to read it."

"Oh, thank you. You are very kind. Did you find out when we would
reach Boston?"

"Yes, Miss Julia. We shall get there between six and seven in the
morning."

"That's pretty early. I hope papa will be at the depot waiting."

"At the depot? Does the boat go into a depot?" asked Sam.

Julia laughed. "Oh, no," she said. "Did you think we went all the way
by boat?"

"Yes, I thought so."

"We go the last fi