he best.
The young man from Baltimore named two or three which he said were
"first-class," and Charlie thought to himself that they must avoid
those. They had no money to pay for their lodging, no baggage as
security for their payment.

As soon as they could get away by themselves, they held a council to
determine what was to be done. They had the business address of their
uncle, Oscar Bryant, of the firm of Bryant, Wilder & Co., wholesale
dealers in agricultural implements, Front Street. But they knew enough
about city life to know that it would be hopeless to look for him in
his store at night. It would be nearly nine o'clock before they could
reach any hotel. What was to be done? Charlie was certain that no
hotel clerk would be willing to give them board and lodging, penniless
wanderers as they were, with nothing but one small valise to answer as
luggage for the party. They could have no money until they found their
uncle.

Before they could make up their minds what to do, or which way to
turn, the boat had made her landing and was blowing off steam at the
levee. The crowds of passengers, glad to escape from the narrow limits
of the steamer, were hurrying ashore. The three homeless and houseless
lads were carried resistlessly along with the crowd. Charlie regretted
that they had not asked if they could stay on the boat until Sunday
morning. But Sandy and Oscar both scouted such a confession of their
poverty. "Besides," said Sandy, "it is not likely that they would keep
any passengers on board here at the levee."

"Ride up? Free 'bus to the Planters'!" cried one of the runners on the
levee, and before the other two lads could collect their thoughts, the
energetic Sandy had drawn them into the omnibus, and they were on
their way to an uptown hotel. When the driver had asked where their
baggage was, Sandy, who was ready to take command of things, had
airily answered that they would have it sent up from the steamer.
There were other passengers in the 'bus, and Charlie, anxious and
distressed, had no chance to remonstrate; they were soon rattling and
grinding over the pavements of St. Louis. The novelty of the ride and
the glitter of the brightly lighted shops in which crowds of people
were doing their Saturday-night buying, diverted their attention for a
time. Then the omnibus backed up before a handsome hotel, and
numerous colored men came hurrying down the steps of the grand
entrance to wait upon the new arrivals.