elling," said Bo, "and we want to go down the river. We can
pay our way and will make music for you, too."

"Good boy," said the mate. "Go right up and report to the clerk, then
come back down here, and after we get this wood loaded we'll give you
some supper and you can give us a show."

On the upper deck the few passengers gathered around and made much of
the arrivals. All asked questions at once, and Bo answered as best he
could. Horatio kept silent--he never talked except when he was alone
with Bo. The boy kept his hand on the Bear's head, and when the boat
backed away and puffed down stream he felt his big friend tremble, but a
little later, when they had had a good supper, Ratio's fear passed off,
and on the lower deck, where all hands collected, the friends gave an
entertainment that not only won for them free passage down the river,
but a good collection besides. It was far in the night when the
performance ended. The officers, passengers and crew kept calling for
more, and the travellers were anxious to accommodate them. The negroes
went wild over the music, and patted and danced crazily whenever Horatio
played. Finally Bo sang a good night song:--

[Illustration: Music]

"Now, we've had a lot of music, and we've had some supper, too,
And we're sailing down the river in a little steam canoe,

[Illustration: Music]

And we love to be obliging with our music, but it seems
That we ought to go a-sailing to the land of pleasant dreams.

[Illustration: THE NEGROES WENT WILD OVER THE MUSIC.]

[Illustration: THE LITTLE BOY WAS IN THE LAND OF DREAMS.]

[Illustration: Music]

And I must not fail to mention we enjoy your kind attention,
And the favors you have shown to us have filled us with delight,

[Illustration: Music]

And to-morrow we will play for you and sing our songs so gay for you,
But now you will excuse us if we say--good--night."

Bosephus and Horatio were both offered staterooms on the upper deck, but
Horatio preferred to sleep outside, and the little boy said he would
sleep there also. Horatio sat up for some moments after Bo had stretched
himself to rest, looking at the dark wooded banks and the starlight on
the water behind them.

"Bo," he said, at last, "we are going to see the world now, sure
enough."

"Yes, Ratio," was the sleepy answer.

"Bo, do you suppose our camp fire is still burning back yonder?"

No answer.

"I hate to leave old Arkansaw, d