oard of the _Helen Shalley_."

"I'll let you know," answered Rose. "But don't let Bill Hosker know who
told you, or he'll want to kill me."

When Randy got back to the steamboat he felt so weak he could scarcely
walk on board. Jones came forward to meet him.

"Say, you ain't been drinking, have you?" he demanded, as he saw our
hero stagger.

"No, I don't drink," answered Randy. "I've been knocked down and
robbed."

And sitting down on a bench he told his story to the other deckhand,
and let Jones feel of the lump on his head.

"I was going to warn you when you went ashore, but I thought you'd be
wise enough to keep out of trouble. It's a shame."

"They told me it wouldn't do any good to tell the police."

"I am afraid not. Such things happen pretty often in that kind of a
neighborhood."

Randy was glad enough to turn in. He bathed the lump with cold water
and put on some witch-hazel, which made it feel better. Despite the
adventure he slept soundly until it was time to turn out in the
morning.

"I suppose you'll want some money," said Jones. "I can lend you a
dollar till pay day, if you wish."

"Thank you," returned Randy. "You are kind, and I'll accept the loan.
I'll pay you back just as soon as I get my pay. I hate to be without a
cent in my pocket."

"I have been there myself and know just how it feels," answered Jones.
He had, in his rough way, taken a fancy to our hero, which feeling was
reciprocated.

There was plenty to do before the steamboat left the dock at New York
City, and Randy's arms ached when the command came to cast off the
lines. He had done his full share of the labor, and Pat Malloy nodded
approvingly.

"Kape it up an' you'll be all roight," said the head deckhand.

The trip to Albany that day had much of novelty in it for Randy. There
was a good deal of work, of which he had not dreamed before, yet there
were also times when he could look at the scenery as the big craft
glided along. At the newsstand on board there was a big folding map of
the river, showing the different towns and points of interest, and this
the standkeeper loaned him for a couple of hours. He studied the map
closely and was soon able to recognize certain points as they appeared.

Several days slipped by and Randy felt quite at home on board. He had
been supplied with the regulation deckhand's outfit; dark blue shirt
and trousers, and a cap to match, and looked very well when thus
attired. He was getting acq