who, if you had your deserts, would be in the
penitentiary instead of at large."

"I have a mind to knock you down," said Vincent angrily.

As Vincent was several inches shorter and much slighter than the person
whom he threatened, this menace sounded rather ridiculous.

"You are at liberty to try it," said the latter, smiling. "First,
however, let me warn you that, if you continue to annoy us, it will be
at your peril. If you remain quiet I shall leave you alone. Otherwise I
will make known your true character to the captain and passengers, and
you will undoubtedly be set ashore when we reach the next landing. I
have the honor to wish you good morning."

"It strikes me, Graham," said Vincent, as Mr. Waterbury left them, "that
we have tackled the wrong passenger."

"I believe you are right," said Graham. "Just my luck."

"There isn't much use in staying on the boat. He will keep a good
lookout for us."

"True; but I don't want to give up the boy."

"He is under the guardianship of this determined old party."

"They will separate at Cincinnati."

"Well?"

"He has money enough to take him to California. He is worth following
up."

"Then you are in favor of going on to Cincinnati?"

"By all means."

"Very well. There are always chances of making an honest penny in a
large city."

"Money or no money, I want to get even with the boy."

So the worthy pair decided to go on to Cincinnati.

CHAPTER XV.

THE ALLEGHANY HOUSE.

It was a bright, sunny morning when the _River Belle_ touched her pier
at Cincinnati. The passengers gathered on deck, and discussed their
plans. In one group were Tom, Mr. Waterbury, Jennie Watson, and her
mother.

"I am sorry you are going to leave us, Tom," said Jennie; "I shall feel
awfully lonely."

"So shall I," said Tom.

"What's the use of going to that hateful California? Why can't you stay
here with us?"

"Business before pleasure, Jennie," said her mother. "You mustn't forget
that Tom has his fortune to make."

"I wish he could make it in Cincinnati, mother."

"So do I; but I must admit that California presents a better prospect
just at present. You are both young, and I hope we may meet Tom in after
years."

"When I have made my pile," suggested Tom.

"Precisely."

"You won't go right on, Tom, will you?" asked Jennie. "You'll stay here
a day or two."

"Yes; I should like to see something of Cincinnati."

"And you'll call on us?"

"I shall be ve