"

"That will be ample, since your ticket to St. Johns is already paid
for. Here it is."

Thus saying, Mr. Hepburn handed over an envelope containing the
steamship ticket that his secretary had been sent out to obtain.

"I would take as little baggage as possible," he continued, "for you
can purchase everything necessary in St. Johns, and will discover what
you need after you get there. Now, good-bye, my boy. God bless you
and bring you back in safety. Remember that the coming year will
probably prove the most important of your life, and that your future
now depends entirely upon yourself. Mr. Black here will go with you to
the banker's, where you can sign your letter of credit."

So our young engineer was launched on the sea of business life. Two
hours later he had packed a dress-suit case and sent his trunk down to
the company's building for storage. On his way to the steamer he
stopped at his club for a bite of lunch, and as he was leaving the
building he encountered the friend with whom he had discussed his plans
the day before.

"Hello!" exclaimed that individual, "where are you going in such a
hurry. Not starting off on your year of travel, are you?"

"Yes," laughed Cabot. "I am to sail within an hour. Good-bye!"

With this he ran down the steps and jumped into a waiting cab.

CHAPTER III.

THE STRANGE FATE OF A STEAMER.

So exciting had been the day, and so fully had its every minute been
occupied, that not until Cabot stood on the deck of the steamer
"Lavinia," curiously watching the bustling preparations for her
departure, did he have time to realise the wonderful change in his
prospects that had taken place within a few hours. That morning his
life had seemed wholly aimless, and he had been filled with envy of
those among his recent classmates whose services were in demand. Now
he would not change places with any one of them; for was not he, too,
entrusted with an important mission that held promise of a brilliant
future in case he should carry it to a successful conclusion?

[Illustration: On the deck of the steamer "Lavinia."]

"And I will," he mentally resolved. "No matter what happens, if I live
I will succeed."

In spite of this brave resolve our lad could not help feeling rather
forlorn as he watched those about him, all of whom seemed to have
friends to see them off; while he alone stood friendless and unnoticed.

Especially was his attention attracted to a nearby gro