wheeled his equipage about and drove rapidly away, promising to return
with all speed and diligence so soon as he had succeeded in changing the
bill. For some time I waited in one of the doorways of the pier, but he
did not return. So far as I have been able to ascertain, he has never
returned; this assertion is based upon my best knowledge and belief. I
am therefore constrained to believe the unfortunate young man--for
indeed he was but little more than a youth in years--met with some
serious bodily hurt while intent upon this mission. Nor do I hold myself
entirely blameless for this, since had I but bethought me to stock my
purse with a suitable amount of small silver, he might have escaped the
injury that doubtlessly befell him in the press of wagons, wains, vans
and motor-drawn vehicles into which he so impetuously darted. Regarding
his probable fate I have many times pondered, giving myself no little
concern.

My position as I lingered at the entrance to the pier was not free from
petty discomforts and annoyances. I was torn between two inclinations:
one to secure the seven dollars and twenty-five cents yet due me, and
the other to be safely embarked in the event that the vagaries of the
tide or other actuating causes should prompt the steamer's master to
depart in advance of the scheduled time without due notice to the public
at large; for this fear of being left behind which had first found
lodgment in my thoughts the evening previous still persisted without
cessation or abatement.

Indeed, the near proximity of the steamer itself, the apparent air of
bustle and haste displayed everywhere in the vicinity, the hoarse cries
betokening haste and perplexity which arose upon all sides, had the
effect of heightening rather than diminishing my apprehensions.
Moreover, persons drawn from all walks of life were constantly coming
into abrupt and violent contact with me as they passed into the pier
carrying objects of varying bulk and shape. Others, with almost equal
frequency, stumbled over my hand-luggage which I had taken pains to
dispose about me in neatly piled array. To top all, I was repeatedly
approached by unkempt individuals offering their services in
transporting my portable equipment aboard ship. I found it quite
absolutely necessary to maintain a vigilant guard against their
importunities, one elderly person of a very unprepossessing exterior
aspect even going so far as to lay hands upon the black leather val