what he told you. It isn't
right, though, to misrepresent. I must give him a scolding. I am in a
little of a hurry, so if you will kindly give me the boy's money----"

"It won't do, Mr. Graham," said the clerk, very firmly. "The money was
put in our charge by the boy, and it will be delivered only to him."

"You seem to be very suspicious," said Graham loftily. "Hand me my bill,
if you please. I will breakfast elsewhere."

The bill was made out, and paid. Five minutes later Milton Graham, with
an air of outraged virtue, stalked out of the hotel, quite forgetting
the young friend who was under his charge.

When Tom came down-stairs he was told of the attempt to get possession
of his money.

"I am much obliged to you for not letting him have it," he said. "He
searched my clothes and valise during the night, but I said nothing, for
I knew he would find nothing worth taking."

"He is a dangerous companion. If you ever meet him again, I advise you
to give him a wide berth."

"I certainly shall follow your advice. If you had not warned me against
him he would have stolen my money during the night."

CHAPTER IX.

THE "RIVER BELLE."

As Tom took his place at the breakfast table, he mechanically lifted his
eyes and glanced at his neighbors. Directly opposite him sat the
gentleman whom he had brought home the evening before. Now he looked
sober and respectable. Indeed, he looked as if he might be a person of
some prominence. He met Tom's glance, and recognized him.

"I think you are the boy who came home with me last evening," he said.

"Yes, sir," answered Tom, rather embarrassed.

"I am afraid I was not quite myself," continued the stout gentleman.

"Not quite, sir."

"I ought to be ashamed of myself, and I am. I don't often allow myself
to be caught in that way. You did me a good service."

"You are quite welcome, sir."

"I had a good deal of money with me, and, if I had drank any more, I
should probably have been robbed."

"Why did you run such a risk, sir?" Tom could not help asking.

"Because I was a fool," said the other bluntly. "I have taste for drink,
but when I am at home I keep it under control."

"Then you don't live in Pittsburg, sir?"

"No. My home is in one of the river towns in Ohio. I came to Pittsburg
to collect money due me for produce, and but for you should probably
have carried none of it home."

"I am very glad to be of service to you," said our hero sincerely.

"What a